People in head teacher jobs have revealed that schools are using money that is mean to be used to support poor pupils to plug gaps created by recent budget cuts.

A survey, conducted by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), found that more than 80 per cent of heads felt that the "pupil premium" has been used to cover recent budget cuts.

Russell Hobby, the general secretary of the NAHT, one of the leading unions, commented: "The pupil premium seems to us to be the right thing to do as a concept ... but in today's climate it is simply redistributing funds in the system, not adding more."

The government, however, has insisted that despite recent budget cuts, schools should not be redirecting the pupil premium money. The premium, worth £600, follows the most disadvantaged children as they move schools in England.

A spokeswoman for the government explained: "The pupil premium has been designed specifically to help schools to improve the attainment of disadvantaged pupils."

Capita Education Services, leaders in teacher recruitment and education jobs.