5 helpful ways ministers can support schools to cut costs With this week’s budget expected to offer little for squeezed schools, one trust leader outlines suggestions for ministers to help schools balance the books
More heads cut school trips amid funding crisis Sutton Trust research finds steep rises in schools cutting back on teaching assistants and IT equipment
Agnew’s crusade uncovers financial mishaps in maintained schools A crackdown begun by ex-minister Lord Agnew reveals the extent of financial mismanagement, deficits and fraud among maintained schools
Jump in reserves leaves maintained schools sitting on £2.2 billion Covid savings and project delays shored up reserves before the current cost-of-living squeeze
Speed read: DfE energy-saving tips and £500m funding rules Schools told to do energy ‘spot checks’, and should spend new efficiency upgrade cash this financial year
New ESFA chief vows ‘culture shift’ to ease trust fears Watchdog must avoid jumping to ‘punitive measures too quickly’, but ‘laser-like’ focus on financial management justified
Trust chiefs warn PM a cash squeeze threatens ‘viability’ of schools 350 academy leaders raised ‘grave concerns’ in a letter to ministers as the government plans ‘efficiencies’ in public spending
‘Apocalyptic’: 500 per cent energy price hikes plunge schools into winter crisis Skyrocketing prices force school leaders into ‘unpalatable’ choices to keep classrooms open this winter
Government promise to end 15-year school cash squeeze ‘won’t be met’ The IFS think tank says per-pupil funding will actually be 3 per cent lower in real terms by 2024-25