The budget and education... what to expect

With the budget set to be announced tomorrow, it's nail biting stuff for everything public sector, but especially for education. See our summary below of some of the key issues to look out for:

The government has pledged to safeguard education funding in the upcoming budget, highlighting a commitment of £1.4 billion to the existing school rebuilding programme for the next year. This announcement marks a £550 million increase from the previous year, underscoring the government’s intention to enhance educational infrastructure.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also revealed plans to triple investment in school breakfast clubs, increasing funding to over £30 million for the next year. This initiative aligns with the Labour party's manifesto commitment to provide free breakfast for primary school children, initially estimated to cost £315 million. The government plans to fund this scheme by closing non-dom tax loopholes. A preliminary £7 million was announced last month for the rollout, and the new budget further reinforces this commitment.

Despite these positive developments, there is uncertainty surrounding the potential rise in school revenue funding and additional financial support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A recent Treasury press release emphasised that enhancing opportunities for children and young people would be a central theme in the upcoming budget, while acknowledging the “tough decisions” required due to a £22 billion deficit inherited from the previous Conservative government.

The school rebuilding programme, originally launched by Boris Johnson in 2021, aims to undertake 50 rebuilds annually, prioritising schools based on their structural condition. Currently, there are 518 projects underway, addressing urgent issues such as dangerous crumbly RAAC concrete in school buildings. Although the £1.4 billion commitment is a significant increase, concerns remain regarding long-term funding for the rebuilding initiative. Future decisions on funding will be made during the next phase of the government’s spending review, set to conclude in March.

Reeves emphasised the importance of investing in education to lay a strong foundation for the future, stating that the budget will aim to revitalise the economy by prioritising schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to ensure that children do not suffer due to previous government mismanagement. She expressed a determination to improve early years education and overall educational standards.

However, the response from education leaders has been mixed. Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the ASCL leaders’ union, pointed out that while the additional investment is welcomed, it is modest compared to the estimated £4.4 billion shortfall required to adequately maintain the school estate. Paul Whiteman, leader of the NAHT heads’ union, also stressed the importance of clarity regarding what “protected” funding entails and urged the government to use the reduction in pupil numbers as an opportunity to enhance per pupil funding.

While the government's commitment to the school rebuilding programme and breakfast clubs signals a positive direction for education funding, significant challenges remain. The sector faces a critical shortfall in funding necessary for the maintenance and improvement of school facilities. Education leaders are calling for a clearer, more substantial long-term investment strategy to address these pressing needs. Do you think this budget will be a positive for education? Have your say in our comments section or the forum.

 Image and content courtesy of schoolsweek.co.uk