Comparing schools spending per pupil in Wales and England, an Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report published, 12 July 2019, shows school spending per pupil in England has fallen by 8% in real terms since 2009-10, more than the drop seen in Wales.
The IFS analysis shows that between 2009-10 and 2017-18, total school spending per pupil in England fell by about 8% in real terms, which compares with about 5% in Wales.
Total school spending in England has actually risen by around 1% in real terms between 2009–10 and 2017–18, whilst it has fallen by around 5% in Wales. However, because pupil numbers have risen by around 10% in England and been fairly constant in Wales, these have translated into faster cuts in spending per pupil in England (8%) than in Wales (5%).
The IFS said the higher cuts in England were driven by bigger drops in local authorities and school sixth form spending alongside faster growth in pupil numbers.
Responding to the report Lesley Butterworth, NSEAD general secretary, said: 'The cuts are now in very clear sight. Art and design teacher numbers have fallen, and hours taught in art and design are decreasing. In some schools senior leaders are evidently making decisions that lead to cuts in choice and provision in arts and design subjects. These cuts have already impacted on art and design teachers and their students and we again ask for the government to urgently review their policies on spending.'
