Report highlights school financial struggles and impact on pupils

A poll carried out by NFER on behalf of the Sutton Trust has revealed the extent of the financial situation that schools find themselves in. The survey of 1,428 teachers and senior leaders is part of the Sutton Trust’s annual polling series and shows the changes to spending from a year ago. Schools having to make cuts is nothing new, however senior leaders reported that the rate of increase has risen sharply since 2022. The impacts of the cuts have been reported to be higher in those schools with the most disadvantaged intakes with 68% of these cutting trips and outings compared to 44% in the least deprived schools. These findings are especially concerning given the importance of school trips in broadening horizons and the impact of cost-of-living on families being able to afford to do this. The report also highlights that Pupil Premium funding is being used to plug the gaps by 41% of respondents, the highest level ever reported and up from 33% last year. The table below shows the areas and the change:

Funding is not the only issue. 71% of senior leaders reported difficulties in recruiting teachers with 25% saying this was to a great extent. The cost of living crisis is starting to bite in all quarters and schools are now starting to feel the squeeze. It will most likely be those pupils with most to lose, pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, that will be most impacted.