An extra £50m will be pumped into education in Wales in 2024-25, the Welsh Government has announced. The Conservative opposition said the cash “falls far short of what’s needed”.
Education Minister Lynne Neagle said the additional funding would be used to address standards and infrastructure across Wales. School leaders and unions have been long warning that school budgets are under pressure with redundancies, cuts to subjects offered and large class sizes among the effects.
Ms Neagle said: “I recognise the financial pressures within the education sector, and I am thankful for the great efforts of the workforce as they continue to operate in such challenging circumstances. Since taking up my position as Cabinet Secretary for Education earlier this year, I have listened to our education partners across Wales and understand the challenges they are facing. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
“Additional in-year funding will provide much needed support to schools, colleges and other settings to help meet the needs of learners across Wales. £20m will be provided to schools and settings through the School Standards Grant, boosting this package of support to £180m in 2024-25.
“A further £10m will be used to support ALN (additional learning needs) provision across Wales to meet the needs of children and young people with ALN. £20m will be provided for school and college repairs and maintenance through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, which is in addition to £30m already provided this year.
“Our Draft Budget, which will be published next week, will focus on our priorities and on ensuring public services continue to deliver for Wales.” Responding to the announcement Tom Giffard MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, said: “The additional funding announced for education is welcome but falls far short of what is needed to address the severe financial pressures facing schools, throwing more money at this without addressing the key issues won’t achieve anything.
“For years, Labour has overseen cuts to education funding in real terms and cash terms, which has left schools struggling with outdated infrastructure, teacher shortages, and declining standards. While the Welsh Conservatives have consistently called for meaningful and sustained support for education, Labour continues to deliver piecemeal funding with no clear strategy for ensuring our children receive the high-quality education they deserve.”
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