School Funding

You will no doubt be aware of the ongoing national debate regarding school funding that has culminated recently in thousands of head teachers writing to their parent bodies regarding the situation. Whilst the current education secretary, Damian Hinds, has pledged to make the "strongest case" for school funding ahead of the comprehensive spending review, head teachers nationally have estimated that an extra £5.7bn is needed in order to provide schools with adequate funding. Independent analysis has suggested that, since 2010, school budgets have been reduced in real terms by 8% and by 20% post 16. As we have a large sixth form, the post 16 cuts have had significant impact on Sir Thomas Rich’s.

These issues are not simply affecting a few schools. They are common features across the country. In September 2018, over 2000 head teachers campaigned at Westminster in order to underline the seriousness of the current situation. This action was unprecedented. County MPs have been working hard in Westminster to improve funding for our schools in Gloucestershire and it is clearly important to continue to make representations to them, to the Department for Education and wider government to ensure funding improves.

We will continue to do all we can to ensure that the quality of our provision for pupils remains high, and of course we are enormously grateful to parents who make considerable financial contributions which help to support the high standards of teaching and extracurricular activities throughout the school. If you do not already contribute to our ‘regular giving’ scheme but are able to do so, please click here for further details. A copy of our recent School Development fund report can be found here.

If you would like to discuss the situation further, please don’t hesitate to contact Vicki Lynn – [email protected] Parents’ and friends’ contributions are absolutely vital in creating the school community of which I am so proud.

Matthew Morgan, Headmaster