Funding Fears: The Future of Fair Education

Following years of financial strain on the education sector, concerns have deepened after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement on 26 March. Schools are bracing for what some describe as the "worst financial situation for a generation," with headteachers warning that budget cuts and unfunded pay increases could significantly impact education quality.

The Cost of Government Cuts

Rather than investing in schools, Labour’s education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has reportedly suggested slashing essential programmes such as free period products, dance, music, and PE. On top of that, a further £500 million in cuts is being considered. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when the richest 1% now hold more wealth than 70% of the UK population.

The previous Conservative government already inflicted deep wounds on the education system, cutting the budget by 9% between 2010 and 2020. Sixth forms suffered the most, with funding slashed by 26%, forcing 47 of them to shut down between 2016 and 2019. College funding remains 11% lower than in 2010, yet rather than reversing these losses, Labour seems poised to continue down the same path.

Private Schools: Hoarding Resources While Public Schools Struggle

While state schools fight for survival, private schools continue to thrive on disproportionate funding. Research from University College London reveals that private schools receive three times the resources of state schools. They have twice as many teachers and smaller class sizes, giving their students an undeniable advantage in university admissions and career prospects.

The Sutton Trust found that despite making up just 7% of the UK school population, private school alumni dominate the country’s most influential roles: 65% of senior judges, 52% of diplomats, and 39% of cabinet ministers. This imbalance is not just about education, it’s about maintaining a ruling class at the expense of the majority.

A Future in Jeopardy

Education should be the great equaliser, but with each round of budget cuts, the gap between privilege and opportunity widens. If Labour is serious about social mobility, it must fund public education properly, rather than forcing struggling schools to make impossible choices.

At The David Brown Foundation, we believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves equal access to quality education. We will continue to challenge policies that undermine fairness and support young people in every way we can. The fight for fair funding is far from over.