Nine out of ten schools in Cheshire West facing funding cuts

A new interactive website created by major teaching unions including the National Association of Head Teachers has revealed the loss of funding for every school in the country.

According to schoolcuts.org.uk, 136 of the 149 schools in Cheshire West and Chester face real term cuts in 2024, with an £8,563,281 decrease in spending power.

Simon Kidwell, president of NAHT and principal of Hartford Manor Primary School, is now calling on the Government to step up and provide £1.7 billion in additional funding.

He said: “School funding has stagnated in real terms over the last decade, and with the best will in the world, this inevitably makes it more challenging for schools to ensure all children get a first-rate education. The re-launch of the Schools Cuts website shows that individual schools are struggling, and additional investment is desperately needed.

“That’s why we are all calling on the government to provide an additional £1.7bn to help cover rising school costs in 2024/25, as well announcing significant new investment into rebuilding the creaking SEND system and ensuring all parts of our deteriorating school estate are fit for purpose.”

You can search for your child's school on schoolcuts.org.uk (Image: Supplied)

School Cuts is run by the NAHT, Association of School and College Leaders, the Teachers’ Union, and the National Education Union.

The trade unions launched the site ahead of the Government’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday (November 22).

Nationwide, it shows that 92 per cent of mainstream schools in England face real term cuts from April 2024, with figures based on a model where staff received a similar pay uplift in 2024/25 to that received in 2023/24.

In MP Mike Amesbury’s Weaver Vale constituency, 41 of 46 schools are expected to face real term cuts next year, with a total loss of £2,777,715 in spending power.

Hartford Manor Primary School is expected to see funding drop by £96,135 with nearby Hartford CofE High School the worst affected in Weaver Vale, with cuts of £311,790.

Mr Amesbury said: “The last thing schools in Weaver Vale need are more cuts. They desperately need more funding. Running costs are soaring, buildings are deteriorating and in desperate need of repair, and many are struggling to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

“Staff are leaving in high numbers, there are chronic shortages in specialist subjects like maths and science and the Government is consistently missing its own targets for new teachers.”

Mr Amesbury, a former manager of a careers service for young people, added: “Labour’s priority will be to put education at the heart of national life again - driving high and rising standards in our classrooms, supporting children to achieve and thrive.

“We would start by recruiting 6,500 more teachers and put mental health counsellors in every secondary school, paid for by ending private schools’ tax breaks.”

However, the Department for Education has stated that mainstream schools in Weaver Vale will receive an additional £1.3 million in funding, when compared to last year.

A spokesperson said: "School funding is rising by over £3.9 billion this year compared to 2022-23, including an extra £1.3 million for mainstream schools in Weaver Vale through the schools National Funding Formula. Nationally, school funding will reach the highest level in history, in real terms per pupil, by 2024-25.

“Teachers received a 6.5 per cent pay award this September and starting salaries are now at least £30,000 which recognises the hard work of teachers and leaders.

“The Government is also providing an additional up to £40million this year to support those schools facing the greatest financial challenges.”