Commenting on the Education Policy Institute’s analysis showing
that a multi-year funding package of £10bn-£15bn is needed for
education recovery, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the
Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“Before the Treasury throws up its hands in horror at these sums
of money, let’s just remember that this would be spread across
some 8.2 million pupils over three years. A £15 billion
investment works out at about £610 per pupil per year – which is
hardly an excessive ask given the scale of disruption caused by
the pandemic.
“We are very supportive of the work of Sir as education
recovery commissioner and we look forward to seeing his
recommendations in due course, but this has to be backed up with
significant government funding. This report from the EPI gives
the government a pretty good benchmark of what is required.
“It also makes the exceptionally good point that a recovery
package must encompass early years and post-16 education. This is
of vital importance and these sectors simply haven’t had anywhere
near enough attention so far despite their obvious importance to
the life chances of children and young people.
“It also makes the equally good point that the challenge ahead
isn’t just about recovery but about addressing the deep and
long-standing problem of the gap in educational attainment
between disadvantaged children and their peers. This inequality
has gone on for far too long, and significant strategic
investment in early years, schools, and post-16 education is
vital if the Prime Minister is serious about living up to his
levelling up rhetoric.”
