Almost all schools and colleges in England are likely to face the prospect of having to make cuts because of rising costs and insufficient government funding, an ASCL survey has found.
The survey of 630 headteachers and business leaders found that:
- Nearly all respondents (98%) said their school or college would have to make financial savings either in the current academic year 2022/23 or future years, or both, compared to last year, as a result of cost pressures. Alarmingly, 60% said they will have to make financial savings both in the current academic year and in future years.
- In the absence of additional funding, 58% said they were considering or likely to reduce teaching staff and increase class sizes, while 43% are considering reducing curriculum options, and 55% are considering reducing the number of teaching assistants.
- Additional costs facing schools vary depending on factors such as the composition of their workforce in line with pupil needs and energy price contracts. Our survey feedback shows that some secondary schools are facing extra costs of up to £500,000 this year. This equates to the cost of employing around 10 teachers.
- Press reports have suggested that some schools may reduce to four-day or three-day weeks to reduce costs. We asked respondents whether this was being considered. None are considering a three-day week, but 17 schools (2.7%) are considering a four-day week.
