The impact of the cost of the living crisis on schools

As reported by the BBC News, a headteacher in Birmingham has warned her secondary school “won’t be able to buy books” due to rising food and energy prices

The gas and electricity bill for St Michael’s Catholic Academy, in Billingham, on Teesside, has doubled in recent months.

According to Helen Keough, the school’s headteacher, the school’s energy bill has increased by over £115,000.

Rising national insurance costs for staff have also led the school to pay an extra £30,000 – equivalent to the salary for one teacher.

Ms Keough said “We’ve got the pupils back into school and are really driving forward their educational opportunities, which is fantastic.

“But these inflationary pressures that are on schools now are really going to limit what we can do.

“I’m not going to be able to buy books, I’m not going to be able to replace computers, I’m not going to be able to subsidise trips or improve the sports facilities.”

The government said it was “considering what additional support” could be given to schools.

The Department for Education commented “Cost increases should be seen in the wider context of funding. In 2022-23, core schools funding will increase by £4bn compared to 2021-22 – a 7% cash terms per pupil boost – and this will help schools to meet wider cost pressures, including energy prices.

“All schools can access a range of tools to help them get the best value from their resources, including recommended deals for energy costs and services related to energy.”