Pupils missing out on £5k of funding due to cuts

Unison research suggests funding cuts mean that a pupil who started school in England in 2010 will have lost out on £5,384 of education funding by the time they leave sixth form this year

Acomprehensive independent analysis, commissioned and published by UNISON, sought the expertise of economic specialists from Landman Economics to delve into the far-reaching consequences of government cuts.

This study illuminates the cumulative effects of budget reductions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Even with the purported increase in funding per pupil promised in the 2022 autumn statement, it becomes evident that the current funding levels remain significantly lower than those in 2010.

Analysing the period spanning 2010-11 to 2022-23, the study reveals a marked decline in spending per student from £7,274 to £6,982—a drop of four percent. This means that, every year, students receive several hundreds of pounds less funding compared to the levels of 2010, diminishing the potential for an enriching educational experience.

The repercussions of strained school budgets reverberate throughout the education system, inevitably compromising the quality of education provided. The impact manifests in various ways, including larger class sizes, reductions in support staff, limited access to critical student support services, cuts to the curriculum, diminished provision of extra-curricular activities, and reduced support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Ultimately, these cutbacks could jeopardise the learning outcomes and future prospects of millions of children, casting a long shadow over their educational journey. Moreover, in addition to the noteworthy decrease in funding per pupil, there has been a substantial decline of 37% in capital spending on school buildings in cash terms, and a 50% decrease in real terms. This decline in investment raises concerns about the safety and suitability of school facilities.

Expressing deep concern over these findings Mike Short, the head of education at UNISON, said, “These figures provide a stark representation of the heavy price our young people are paying under the Conservative government’s policies. It is deeply unjust that the current cohort of young individuals will bid farewell to their schooling this summer having been deprived of thousands of pounds’ worth of educational opportunities.

“They have persevered through dilapidated buildings that have long exceeded their intended lifespan, grappling with insufficient resources for learning and a lack of support from staff.

“The time has come for the government to prioritise investing in the future of Britain by restoring and bolstering school funding. It is incumbent upon the secretary of state for education and the chancellor to identify the necessary financial resources to ensure that our young people receive the best possible start in life—a solid foundation upon which they can build successful and fulfilling futures,” he added.