Over the years, like many schools across the country, we have faced significant challenges to keep our schools afloat. A study by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) found that headteachers in challenging schools report high levels of stress and are less likely to plan to remain in their roles long-term. Yet, despite promises to relieve the pressure on the education sector, these challenges seem to intensify each year.
As Deputy CEO at the Community Schools Trust (CST), I am responsible for maintaining high standards across the schools in our Trust, working closely with executive and non-executive headteachers. I see firsthand the stress they navigate and the unwavering commitment they bring to delivering quality education for our communities, often under challenging circumstances.
Here are the six major obstacles we have encountered – and some steps we’re implementing to address them. I hope these strategies provide value to others navigating similar challenges.
1. The challenge of funding constraints
For over a decade, school funding in the UK has failed to keep pace with rising costs, creating a severe resource crisis for headteachers to manage. Schools face surging expenses in energy, COVID-related costs and National Insurance contributions, alongside a £2 billion shortfall in SEND funding. Changes to the national funding formula have disproportionately affected deprived areas, while pupil premium and COVID recovery funding fall short of needs.
Capital spending has also dropped by 29% since 2009-10, leaving smaller and nursery schools especially vulnerable. Declining pupil numbers – particularly in London – are reducing funding further, with some schools already forced to close, while increased employer NI contributions and rising supplier costs add to the financial strain.