NEU comments on IFS research on School Funding

Commenting on research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) which shows an 8% decline in funding for England’s schools since 2010, and 5% for Wales in the same period, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

“The IFS figures confirm that schools in England and Wales have had a severe real terms funding cut since 2009/10. The cuts have been even deeper for school sixth forms, 25% per pupil, and to local authority support services of 55% between 2009/10 and 2017/118.

“Cutting the funding for schools in England by more than those in Wales is not the way to close a funding gap or to fund schools fairly.  Schools in both countries need significantly more funding, not less. Under this Government schools are experiencing severe financial hardship and having to cut the education provision for children and young people. This is an unacceptable situation that needs to be urgently addressed.”