A recent survey of 1678 teachers by The Sutton Trust (an educational charity which aims to improve social mobility), has revealed that 41% of senior leaders in both primary and secondary schools have reduced school trips in an attempt to save money. 45% of classroom teachers have done the same.
The survey’s findings also showed that 69% of secondary school senior leaders have also cut back on teachers, while 70% lost teaching assistants, as part of budget reductions. Cuts have also been made on spending on IT equipment, with pupil premium funding being used to fill gaps in many other areas.
Sir Peter Lampl, founder and executive chair of the Sutton Trust, said the findings indicate that budget cuts are having a “detrimental effect”.
Responding to the poll, a spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “We recognise the budgeting challenges schools face and have introduced a wide range of practical support to help schools and head teachers, to help schools make the most of every pound on non-staff costs”.
In January 2019, in a move to improve language skills, the DfE announced that secondary schools can apply for a share of £2.5 million funding, to take disadvantaged pupils on overseas trip
