DfE response to ASCL ballot

In response to ASCL’s decision to ballot, a Department for Education spokesman said: “We have made a fair and reasonable teacher pay offer to the unions, which recognises teachers' hard work and commitment.

“Next year, school funding will be at its highest level in history – per pupil, in real terms.

“We know schools are facing increased costs like energy and staffing, and are providing an extra £2 billion in each of the next two years to cover those costs. As a result, school funding is set to rise faster than forecast inflation in both 2023/24 and 2024/25.”

Background

• In October, the Education Secretary was sent a letter from the unions, asking for a £2 billion increase to school funding next year and the year after. At the Autumn Statement, that’s exactly what was delivered.

• We have committed to reducing workload by up to 5 hours.