NGA survey reveals shocking number of schools struggle to balance budgets

A survey of over 3000 governors and trustees in England by the National Governance Association (NGA) has shown that 60% of schools and trusts report balancing their budgets as their biggest challenge, up from 44% in 2022.

Balancing budgets

NGA has published its main findings of the 2024 survey, released on July 12th, revealing concerning trends among schools and trusts in England. Over 3,000 governors and trustees took part in the survey, which highlights that 60% of schools or trusts are unable to balance their budgets. This figure represents the highest percentage since the survey's inception in 2012 and underscores the severity of the financial challenges facing schools today.

Further financial challenges

The report goes on to highlight that only 18% of schools and trusts perceive themselves as financially sustainable, 39% of respondents have experienced a financial strain due to falling pupil numbers and half report that the condition of their school buildings adversely affects the learning environment.

Contrasts

The survey also highlights striking contrasts between primary and secondary schools, with primary settings particularly affected by falling pupil numbers. Beyond finances, the education sector is under immense pressure to fill gaps left by diminishing social services, requiring governing boards to make tough decisions about additional support for pupils, families, and the wider community.

The report also sets out key asks to address the challenges and opportunities identified by this survey, including:

prioritising financial sustainability by reallocating funds from falling rolls to pupil premium and per-pupil funding
investing in school buildings
reforming SEND funding
addressing SEND provision gaps using the SEND green paper and improve training for mainstream staff
combating child poverty and expanding family services by tackling unmet needs beyond breakfast clubs
developing creative staffing solutions for teacher shortages and falling pupil numbers
investing in governance by raising its profile, promoting diversity, and supporting governors and trustees

Sam Henson, Deputy CEO of the NGA, commented on the findings:
"The result of this survey paints a stark picture of an education system under relentless strain. We're witnessing the far-reaching impact of financial pressures across every facet of education, where almost nothing now remains untouched - from curriculum to wellbeing, SEND provision to sustainability. Yet, in the face of these monumental challenges, the unwavering dedication of our governors and trustees shines through. Their commitment to providing the best possible education for all pupils, despite dwindling resources, is both deeply inspiring and a urgent call to action. It's clear that without immediate, systemic reforms and significant investment in our schools, we risk failing a generation of children. We now have a new government and we hope as they take in these findings, they conclude the time for decisive action is now."

Other key findings include

Falling pupil numbers

39% report finances impacted by falling pupil numbers. This is more of a concern for Primary schools (45%) than secondary schools (23%). 23% have not yet been impacted but are worried about this in the near future.
Curriculum breadth at risk.
59% report reducing teaching or cutting certain subjects due to budget constraints.

SEND funding crisis deepens

Access to funding to support SEND pupils is cited as the top challenge by 74% of governing boards, up from 66% the previous year.
Support for SEND pupils as top challenge for boards up to 37% compared to 25% in 2022.