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.’
