Commenting on new Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates on 2025/26 school funding, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“The annual IFS report estimates continued education austerity – summed up in the Daily Mirror as ‘death by a thousand cuts’.
“The report shows increasing school costs to outstrip school funding. The main concern: The ‘cost of special educational needs (SEN) provision is spiralling up by the billions’.”
He went on to add,
“Many schools have no capacity to make savings without cutting educational provision further. Britain already has the highest primary class sizes in Europe and the highest secondary class sizes since records began.
“The report says falling pupil roles nationally could deliver savings, if spending per pupil was protected in real terms. Surely the same for the Island. Indeed, if this protection had been in place every year since 2010, would the five primary schools presently be at risk of closure?
“Will education austerity continue? The IFS report indicates the projected increase in special needs spending ‘seems likely to wipe away any prospects of savings’.
“SEND support and pastoral care has been historically compromised; funding is totally inadequate.
“Keir Starmer was elected on a promise to put more resources into schools after 14 years of austerity.”
Responding to the report, the DfE said,
“We are determined to fix the foundations of the education system that we inherited and will work with schools and local authorities to ensure there is a fair education funding system that directs public money to where it is needed to help children achieve and thrive.”
Mr Shreeve finished by saying,
“We eagerly await and hope government is determined and succeeds, ensuring Island education receives the funding it so desperately needs.”
