Luke Sibieta

The report provides the latest picture on school funding and costs in England.

While spending top-ups and fast-falling pupil numbers will improve schools’ financial position on average, wider pressures on schools budgets remain. 

This comment provides initial analysis of announcements in July 2026 on teacher pay, pensions and school funding.
 

This comment compares the political parties’ main proposals for schools in Wales at the upcoming 2026 Welsh elections.

Welsh health and education systems are underperforming – with cuts to spending on some public services likely post-election.

Welsh health and education services are performing worse than before the pandemic and lag behind England

Scottish public services are struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and cuts to some services loom.

Five years on from COVID, Scotland's public services are still struggling to recover

The government is today proposing a major set of reforms to English SEND funding, with more funding and support provided through mainstream schools.

The government has announced changes to funding for English councils, and that it will compensate councils for 90% of historic SEND deficits.

The online launch of 2026 IFS Annual Report on Education Spending in England, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.

This annual report compares spending across different stages of education in England and analyses the pressures and choices facing policymakers.

Education spending in England is at a crossroads: tight budgets, escalating pressures, and shifting demographics.

Demand for specialist places has rocketed over the last decade.

Pupil numbers are falling rapidly across the UK. This report analyses the choices facing policymakers and past declines in pupil numbers.

The number of children aged under 16 in England is expected to decline by 6% over the next decade – policymakers will have to decide how to respond.

How will changes announced at Budget 2025 affect SEND spending in future? How can the government deal with historic deficits accumulated by councils?

IFS researchers provide a response to the new economic forecast and major policy announcements contained in the 2025 Budget.

The Chancellor's second Budget will be a tricky one. The fiscal outlook has deteriorated, raising the prospect of spending cuts or further tax rises.