Underfunding of schools resulting in increased class sizes for secondary schools in England

New research by the School Cuts coalition of unions (NEU, NAHT, ASCL, UNISON, GMB and Unite) shows that class sizes are rising in the majority of secondary schools in England as a result of the Government’s underfunding of  education. There is a particular problem in secondary schools because of a shortfall of £500m a year to funding for 11 – 16 year olds, between 2015/16 and 2019/20, plus the deep cuts to sixth form funding (over 17% per pupil since 2010). 62% of secondary schools in England have increased the size of their classes in the last two years (2014/15 to 2016/17). In some authorities this has had a dramatic effect. In York, secondary schools have an average of three more students in every class. It is also striking that the five areas with the largest secondary school classes have all seen an increase in the last two years – Barnsley, Rutland, Thurrock, Newham and Leicester. This shows the Government is failing in its stated aim to even out the differences in education. Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We have repeatedly warned that schools have had to increase class sizes because of funding pressures and here is yet more evidence that this is the case. It is the last thing they want to do but they have no other choice because they have to reduce staffing numbers and that inevitably affects the teacher-to-pupil ratio. Larger classes mean less individual support for students, and put more pressure on...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release education school school cuts school funding Source Type: news