Schools: the cornerstone of our education system

With millions of children returning this week, we explore the issues facing schools in the new academic year and what our research tells us about them. ??

Amidst safety concerns over school buildings, thousands of children did not return to their normal classrooms.

The Institute For Fiscal Studies finds capital spending on schools has fallen by around a quarter in real terms since the mid-2000s (and 50% below its 2010 peak).

This is particularly concerning as recent research from Lee Elliot-Major OBE finds school attendance levels have not recovered post-pandemic. They're worsening.

The research shows a staggering increase in persistent absentees from 12% of pupils in 2018 to 24% in 2022.

Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis is having a profound impact in schools.

60% of senior leaders are reporting substantial increases in need for additional provision including food parcels, breakfasts, uniform & travel support.

More National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) data highlights how cost-of-living pressures are also exacerbating children's well-being, with over 1/4 pupils in mainstream schools requiring additional mental health support, significantly higher than last year.

This rises to over 40% in special schools.

This compounds well-being issues caused by COVID-19 and school closures.

Recent Institute For Fiscal Studies research by Sarah Cattan found 47% of parents reported their child’s social & emotional skills deteriorated during the first year of the pandemic.

COVID-19 hugely impacted learning outcomes too.

Education Policy Institute found that in 2021, Key Stage 4 pupils experienced the largest annual increase in the disadvantage gap on record. The pandemic reversed much of the reduction in the gap made over the last decade.

The imperative for school catch-up schemes to help bridge these gaps is greater than ever. The NELI - Nuffield Early Language Intervention programme is already used in two thirds of primary schools, benefitting 90,000 children, supporting pupils with language skills to help them build strong foundations in speaking and reading.

Fortunately, a pay settlement with unions has ended teacher strike action. However, a range of serious ongoing issues with teacher recruitment and retention remain, as highlighted at our recent event.

You can access the recording, slides & read-out ??

We fund research to drive change, so that young people gain the necessary knowledge & skills to thrive. Schools play a huge role in this.

Hear Josh, our Director of Education, on everything you need to know about our interest in Education research.

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