The UK’s largest education trade union says that British schools are reaching breaking points.
Most schools will see costs rise next year, leading to staff cuts and busy classrooms, a coalition of education leaders warns.
The School Cutting Coalition said Monday that 76% of elementary schools and 94% of secondary schools will not be able to pay for next year.
It is run by the National Federation of Education (NEU), the Association of Schools and University Leaders (ASCL), the National Association of Principals (NAHT), the National Association of Governance (NGA), and ParentKind. The group urged the government to prioritize investing in schools.
The group warned that the difference between rising school costs next year and rising mainstream funding will lead to a £700 million shortfall, preventing schools from fully covering staff salaries.
With cuts in funding, it estimates that UK funding will reach its lowest level in at least 15 years. All local governments have added that they are facing actual funding cuts of an average of 1.2% per student.
According to the Union, schools in the UK are struggling to recruit and maintain teachers, but budget cuts have reduced subject provision and limit student learning opportunities.
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“Our members have made it clear that many schools and trusts simply can’t afford further cuts, and it’s the young people who will ultimately pay the price,” said NGA CEO Emma Barchin.
However, after a major bump in 2024, the government proposed a much lower increase of 2.8% for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Ministry of Education (DFE) said the salary prize is appropriate in the “context of a challenging national economic situation.”
ASCL general secretary Pepediacio called the current situation “unsustainable” and said schools across England are facing budget deficits and are preparing for further cuts.
“If the government is serious about getting the opportunities that young people deserve them, this must be demonstrated by ensuring the resources schools and universities need to provide the best possible education for all students and students,” he added.
The call comes before Prime Minister Rachel Reeves’s spring statement on March 26th and a review of spending that will be released in late spring.
Time for action
Education leaders were concerned about Congress on Monday, briefly explaining lawmakers on school funding in a move sponsored by Labour MPs for Portsmouth North and former teacher Amanda Martin.
Martin acknowledges workers’ efforts to hire more teachers, increase their pay and reform their curriculum after they take office. Funding for these measures, as well as a free breakfast club and expanded early education, were announced in the October budget.
Ecker Prime Minister Rachel Reeves will give a speech at a financial and professional services dinner held at a Mansion House in London on November 14th, 2024. Isabel Toddler/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
In the budget, Reeves announced that the second phase of the spending review will analyze approximately £1.2 trillion public spending and look for ways to reduce waste without increasing taxes.
Use a zero-based budgeting approach. This means that all government departments need to justify all spending from scratch, rather than relying on previous budgets. For example, DFEs must prove why funding programs for certain schools are essential.
NAHT General Secretary Paul Whiteman has urged the government to use future reviews to “inject additional funds” to schools.
“The time for action is now. Our schools form the foundation for our people’s future and provide the skills and opportunities that our children need to thrive. Without immediate and substantial investment, we risk failing entire generations and eroding the economic and social structures of our communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Neu’s Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the UK’s largest education union, said plans for more workforce cuts would force schools to drop subjects, reduce support staff and reduce essential maintenance.
“Schools are reaching their breaking point. 14 years of cuts have led to budgetary emissions and children’s education is at risk,” he said.
Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will meet students on January 9, 2024 during a visit to St. Matthews Primary School in Westminster, central London. Stefan Rousseau/PA
Send funds and future cuts
Financial pressures are also addressed in the Special Education Needs (SEN) system of schools across the UK. The National Audit Bureau warns that the system is financially unsustainable and requires urgent reform.
As of January 2024, 1.9 million children and young people aged 0-25 had won SEN, an increase of 14% since 2015.
According to DFE, rising SEN costs are a key factor for over 43% of local governments facing potential bankruptcy by March 2026.
Philipson acknowledges the “severe” reality of the UK’s special needs system and promises to increase the number of children with special needs attending mainstream schools.
The government plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and is seeking more school funding as it plans to achieve its 3% target within 10 years.
However, IFS associate director Ben Zaranco warned that reaching the 3% defence spending target “will require strict choices and sacrifices elsewhere.
