SCHOOLS minister Ed Balls has condemned a headteacher's decision to organise a four-day training trip for up to 80 of his teaching staff to Marbella.

The Government high flyer entered the row over Edensor Technology College's Spanish conference as the now aborted training trip made global headlines.

Headteacher Richard Mercer, who had not informed parents about the trip, had defended his decision by saying it was cheaper to hold the conference in Spain than in England.

But Mr Balls said it was unusual for schools to hold training sessions abroad.

He added: "I think most people will think that was a very, very strange decision.

"It's really important – especially in these difficult times – that everybody is responsible with the use of public money."

Mr Balls made his comments as a city councillor called for an audit of all city schools' expenditure, after it came to light that Edensor staff have flown to warmer climes for training sessions before.

Stoke and Trent Vale councillor Gavin Webb says a breakdown of all schools' expenditure and analysis of the benefits of trips over the past five years should be published.

He said: "I have been told that senior management at the school have on at least one occasion in recent years been abroad for training. This concerns me, and not solely because of the potential abuse of taxpayers' money.

"An investigation would clarify for parents where precisely school funds are being allocated."

Governors at Edensor are planning a meeting to discuss the issue. Governor Don Evans said: "I feel a little hurt and wounded. The attention will die down in time, but whether we will come back the same I don't know.

"We were informed it was cheaper to go abroad, but unfortunately when you have to close the school there are other considerations, and I have a list of questions for the headteacher."

Parents said they knew the school was closed yesterday and today for teacher training but did not know the training was being held abroad .

Patricia Grocott, aged 47, of Greendock Street, has children Robert, aged 15, Lisa, aged 14, and 11-year-old Laura at the school.

She said: "The staff didn't tell us anything about it and I will be going there next week to have my say.

"They were right to cancel the trip, but they shouldn't have organised it in the first place."

Lee Holmes, aged 36, of Greendock Street, whose 11-year-old son, Jordan, goes to the school, said: "I couldn't believe it and don't know how they thought they'd get away with it.

"It's bang out of order and I've had to have a day off work to look after my son."

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