SCHOOLS are not exempt from the savage cuts we’ve seen to public services and are having to think up ways to save cash.

One of Oxford’s biggest state schools, Cheney, has taken its own bold move to do just that.

Instead of offering four A-Levels to all of its students, some will only be studying for three, along with either the Duke of Edinburgh award, extra maths or Classical Civilisation.

There is a lot to be said these days for practical experience at school alongside academic studies.

With more students heading to university, graduates need much more to set them apart to potential employers.

Many sixth form pupils would get a lot more out of focusing on just three A-Levels and doing some extra work alongside those.

Cheney will not be alone in having to save thousands of pounds going forward and it should be given a lot of credit for biting the bullet and doing something to address the cuts.

And fresh from celebrating its best A-Level results, the next round of students at the school will hopefully have just as much cause to celebrate.