ENGLAND’S SCHOOLS FACE ‘DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS,’ SAY HEADTEACHERS

Thu 09 January 2025:

Headteachers have warned that schools and colleges will be forced to make cuts if costs continue to outstrip the growth in school funding.

In their annual report on education spending in England, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that mainstream school funding per pupil will grow by 2.8% in cash terms in 2025–26.

However, the think tank warns that school costs will grow by 3.6% over the same period if the pay review body follows the Government’s recommendation of a 2.8% pay award for 2025.

Responding to the IFS’ findings, Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said that if costs continue to exceed funding, then there will be cuts to pastoral support, curriculum options and classroom resources.

‘Schools and colleges have been expected to absorb relentless financial pressures over the past 15 years, and they have done an incredible job in minimising the impact on students,’ she said.

‘But we cannot go on like this. It is death by a thousand cuts. The Government must recognise the importance of improved investment in education.’

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Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, said some schools are already facing real difficulties in making their budgets add up and having already cut operations to the bone, school leaders are worried what lies ahead.

“It’s vital that this is recognised and addressed in the spending review if schools are to be spared further unpalatable decisions like cutting staff and curriculum resources which make it harder for them to offer children a first-rate education,” Whiteman said.

A Department for Education spokesperson said, “One of the missions of our plan for change is to give children the best start to life. This was built upon the steps set out at the budget which increased school funding to almost £63.9bln in financial year 2025-26, including £1bln for children and young people with high needs.

“We are determined to fix the foundations of the education system that we inherited and will work with schools and local authorities to ensure there is a fair education funding system that directs public money to where it is needed to help children achieve and thrive,” the spokesperson added.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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