Funding for UK schools will change to a national formula in 2018, with some schools likely to gain from the new formula and others likely to lose. Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening claims funding will depend less on the postcode lottery. The National Audit Office (NAO) claims funding will be cut by 8%. Opponents fear class sizes will increase, schools will be less able to buy basic equipment and children's life chances will be damaged. Liberal Democrat education spokesman John Pugh accused the government of having, "completely the wrong priorities." adding, "It is a disgrace that while schools face a severe funding crisis, £240m is being spent on expanding grammars." Five teachers' and head teachers' unions gave out as joint statement suggesting that schools suffer the "biggest real-terms cuts in a generation". Malcolm Trobe of the Association of School and College Leaders said: "We are deeply concerned that the life chances of young people are being put at risk by the government's under-funding of education." Grammar schools also face problems, many claim their funding will be cut. Some are considering asking parents for financial contributions.
Head teachers in Sussex have been writing letters complaining about lack of funds. Head teachers in Sussex and Cheshire are considering a four-day week among other options. Children could lose the chance to learn some subjects, mental health support workers and teaching assistants could be made redundant due to funding shortages. Class sizes will increase and services for children with special needs will be reduced. Heads previously petitioned Downing Street and complain that, "no matter how clearly we state our position or how reasonable our approach is, no improvements are made to either the financial or associated staffing crises". They describe the national funding formula as "giving with one hand whilst taking away with two". The heads ask whether they should, reduce staff, increase class sizes further, reduce books, equipment and IT, change school hours, stop counselling and pastoral services. Reduced counselling can reduce children's performance in school. Costs head teachers face are rising, National Insurance and teachers' pensions are more expensive, the national living wage also adds to costs as do pay increases and the apprenticeship levy. Funding per pupil is rising by less than inflation. The National Audit Office fears cuts could damage children's education outcomes. The education services grant of £600m also faces cuts making it harder for local authorities to pay for school improvements. Parents have also been asked to write to MPs and councillors or email them asking for schools to be better funded.
£384m which was planned to transform all schools into academies has been taken back. Head teachers complained about the loss of funding at a time when a 4-day week is being considered to save money.