Underfunding in schools:
the hard reality
The issue of underfunding in UK schools has reached a crisis point. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), school spending per pupil in England fell by 9% in real terms between 2009-10 and 2019-20, marking the largest reduction in over 40 years.
Although recent government commitments have aimed to increase funding, these efforts have onlybegun to reverse the cuts, leaving many schools still struggling to make ends meet.
In combination with rising costs and staff shortages, the financial strain on education providers has led to larger class sizes, reduced staff numbers, and cuts to essential services, directly impacting the quality of education that students receive. In fact, a survey by the National Education Union (NEU)in 2023 revealed that 72% of school leaders reported having insufficient funds to meet the needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The phrase “underfunded schools” has unfortunately become a familiar refrain, but it is crucial tounderstand the real-world implications of this chronic underfunding:
Although recent government commitments have aimed to increase funding, these efforts have onlybegun to reverse the cuts, leaving many schools still struggling to make ends meet.
In combination with rising costs and staff shortages, the financial strain on education providers has led to larger class sizes, reduced staff numbers, and cuts to essential services, directly impacting the quality of education that students receive. In fact, a survey by the National Education Union (NEU)in 2023 revealed that 72% of school leaders reported having insufficient funds to meet the needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The phrase “underfunded schools” has unfortunately become a familiar refrain, but it is crucial tounderstand the real-world implications of this chronic underfunding:
Rising energy costs
In 2023, schools reported a staggering 200% increase in energy bills, further straining already tight budgets. Even the prestigious BRIT School, renowned for its performing arts programme, has been forced to make difficult decisions due to these rising costs.
This situation is not unique; a survey by the NAHT found that 95% of school heads have had to fundraise to cover essential costs, highlighting the dire situation many schools now find themselves in.
This situation is not unique; a survey by the NAHT found that 95% of school heads have had to fundraise to cover essential costs, highlighting the dire situation many schools now find themselves in.
Inflation and cost-of-living crisis
The cost-of-living crisis and inflation have both exacerbated the financial challenges faced by schools. Teacher pay rises, which were only partially funded by the government, have left schools scrambling to cover the shortfall.
A report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) found that two-thirds of primary and secondary school leaders cited cost-of-living pressures as a primary driver for making cuts to spending.
A report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) found that two-thirds of primary and secondary school leaders cited cost-of-living pressures as a primary driver for making cuts to spending.
Staff cuts and increased class sizes
Budget shortfalls have led to widespread cuts in the number of teaching assistants, with nearly 50% of schools reducing their TA staff in 2023, according to the NEU.
At the same time, class sizes have continued to grow, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting that the average class size in England reached 27.4 pupils in 2023, the highest in over a decade.
At the same time, class sizes have continued to grow, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting that the average class size in England reached 27.4 pupils in 2023, the highest in over a decade.
Extracurricular activites cut
A 2023 survey by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) found that 64% of schools had cut back on extracurricular activities, depriving students of opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills.
This reduction also extends to school trips, with 50% of senior leaders reporting that they had to cut back on trips and outings during the 2022-2023 academic year.
This reduction also extends to school trips, with 50% of senior leaders reporting that they had to cut back on trips and outings during the 2022-2023 academic year.
