£5.4bn funding shortfall leaves schools at ‘breaking point’

The government has underfunded schools in England by £5.4bn over the past three years and risks “disastrously” letting down a generation of children, education unions have warned. Analysis by the School Cuts coalition reveals 91 per cent of all schools in England are affected. The group warns that budget shortages at the 17,723 schools are leading them to operate with reduced staffing, leaving children with less additional support, particularly around issues such as mental health. They are also offering fewer subject choices for study and extra curricular activities. Read more.