We were extremely disappointed that the November 2023 Autumn Statement contained barely a mention of education. Therefore, we have taken this opportunity to repeat our previous ask to the Chancellor that government does the right thing now to begin to address the poor and worsening condition of the education estate (see paragraphs 21 – 26) and to properly fund the growth in demand for SEND (see paragraphs 29 – 34).  

Furthermore, we remain extremely concerned about the impact of inflationary cost pressures on school and college funding, and about the risks associated with years of pay erosion across the sector amidst a recruitment and retention crisis.

Our education system must prepare young people for life in a sustainable, digitised global community while continuing to equip them with the core skills, knowledge and understanding they need in their adult lives. We ask the Chancellor to take this opportunity to reinforce the commitment made by the Prime Minister last October and make education a funding priority. We couldn’t agree more with the Prime Minister’s assertion that ‘[Education] is the best economic policy, the best social policy, the best moral policy’.

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