Nine out of ten schools will run out of money next school year, teachers warn

Nine out of 10 schools will run out of funds next school year due to the cost of living crisis, the National Association of Head Teachers warns the government.

In an open letter to Conservative MPs, 13 national education associations called on them to demand assurances from the leading candidates that they would honor the party’s 2019 pledge to bring funding back to 2010 levels.

The top body for school leaders pointed to forecasts currently projecting a £2bn deficit by 2024, calling the situation “desperate” according to the TBEN.

Initial data from the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) survey, which was provided to the Observer, found that 50% of school leaders said their school would be in short supply this year.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman told the paper: “There are no easy solutions anymore. Schools have been cut to the bone. That means cutting back on teaching hours, teaching assistants and teachers.”

Earlier this week, Mr. Whiteman told the Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference that he has “never heard more anger and despair” from school leaders, as NAHT held a national vote for the first time for union action over wages, having previously targeted regional held votes. on the matter.

Mr Whiteman said headteachers have lost about 24% of their salary value since 2010, with education funding set to be 3% less in real terms in 2024/2025 than in 2010.

He added that insufficient pay has sent schools into “a vicious spiral” of staff layoffs, and warned that “heartbreaking cuts to services” will have to be made.

He said “mounting energy bills”, inflation and lack of funding for teachers’ wages are causing thousands of schools to think they are heading for a deficit.

“As a result, school leaders are being forced to make budget cuts that ultimately have a negative impact on children’s education and well-being,” he said.

Mr Whiteman concluded that the “ruthlessly reasonable professionals” he represents feel they have “no choice” but to proceed to a formal vote.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the future of education is at stake.”