The recent UK Budget announcement has introduced notable financial changes across the education sector, marking a response to urgent needs while also setting strategic priorities for the years ahead. While there are areas of challenge, there is also significant support for teachers, education staff and school infrastructure. This Budget offers meaningful enhancements in early years, school funding, special education and infrastructure, all of which open doors for educators and supply teachers looking to make a lasting impact on the education system.
Here’s what the new Budget means for the education sector and why now may be the perfect time to consider a role in teaching or supportive education roles.
Major investments in school funding, supporting teachers and students alike
The government has announced a significant increase in school funding, with an additional £2.3 billion going to schools in 2025. This boost directly benefits teachers and students, as it includes a commitment to fund the 5.5% pay award for teachers fully. The allocation is intended not only to retain current talent but also to ensure competitive pay that will attract new educators to the sector, helping schools remain well-staffed and supported.
A notable £1 billion portion of this funding is specifically for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This increase is a response to the financial pressures within the SEND sector, which has faced funding deficits for years. While the additional support for SEND is essential, it does not completely address the sector’s financial sustainability, with some leaders calling it a “financial sticking plaster.” Nonetheless, it shows the government’s ongoing commitment to SEND reform, creating an environment where SEND educators will have increased resources and support to improve outcomes for students with additional needs.
Boost for Early Years Education
The early years sector also received substantial support, with a £1.8 billion investment that will raise total funding to over £8 billion. This funding will extend the rollout of funded childcare hours, making early learning more accessible to families with children as young as nine months. Additionally, £15 million has been set aside to help establish up to 3,000 school-based nurseries. Schools can bid for up to £150,000 each to expand or create new nurseries, potentially leading to 300 new or expanded facilities by 2025.
For early years educators, this boost in funding means more opportunities to work in nurseries and childcare settings. The expansion of funded hours and new nursery facilities also highlights the need for dedicated staff passionate about early childhood development. Educators joining the early years sector can look forward to making a lasting impact on children’s lives right from the beginning.
Creating modern, safe learning environments
The Budget has allocated £6.7 billion for education infrastructure, a 19% increase in real terms from the previous year. This includes £1.4 billion to continue the School Rebuilding Programme, which targets schools most in need of renovation, and £2.1 billion for essential maintenance, an increase of £300 million from the previous year. These upgrades are crucial to addressing structural concerns, such as the RAAC crisis, and to create safer, more conducive learning environments for students and teachers alike.
These improvements mean that educators will be able to work in better-equipped schools with modern facilities, ensuring students have safe, engaging environments for learning. For teachers, it’s an exciting opportunity to join schools that are benefiting from much-needed upgrades, fostering a more positive and productive teaching environment.
Changes and challenges for Independent Schools following budget announcement
One of the more controversial aspects of the Budget is the introduction of a 20% VAT on independent school fees. This tax is expected to increase the cost of private education, which may have a ripple effect on enrolment in independent schools. Although some independent school leaders are challenging the measure, it signals a shift in the education landscape. For those in the public education system, this change could lead to increased student numbers and, consequently, a greater demand for teachers in state-funded schools.
New directions for further education and apprenticeships
The Budget’s commitment to further education is clear, with an additional £300 million allocated for improvements in college facilities. This funding will be used to modernise the further education estate and ensure students have access to high-quality training facilities. Additionally, £40 million has been earmarked for transforming the Apprenticeship Levy into a Growth and Skills Levy, with a focus on delivering shorter, foundation apprenticeships in high-demand sectors. This shift opens up new avenues for educators in vocational and further education, as the demand for skilled, industry-ready graduates continues to grow.
Emphasis on student wellbeing and social support
Recognising the link between wellbeing and academic success, the Budget has allocated over £30 million to expand breakfast club initiatives. This funding supports 2,700 schools already in the breakfast programme and will help launch 750 new free breakfast clubs by spring 2025. These initiatives are particularly beneficial for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting better attendance, behaviour, and readiness to learn.
For those in teaching and support roles, these clubs offer new opportunities to engage with students beyond traditional classroom instruction, creating a holistic support system that can have a profound impact on students’ day-to-day experiences.
If you are interested in student wellbeing, head to our blogs on how to tell if your students stressed and how to tackle mental health issues in your classroom.
We’re also passionate about highlighting the wellbeing of teachers and education staff. You can read our blog on how to protect your mental health as a teacher here.
A positive step forward
While the Budget does include some challenging adjustments, such as cuts to the Trust Capacity Fund and academy conversion support grants, it also opens up several promising avenues. From investments in SEND and early years, to large-scale capital improvements and expanded breakfast clubs, the Budget reflects a commitment to creating a supportive, high-quality education system.
For educators, especially those interested in joining the sector or considering supply roles, this is a period of transformation and opportunity. Recruitment agencies like ours are eager to help match passionate educators with roles where they can make the most of these new investments and contribute to shaping the future of UK education.
Discover our latest vacancies in education via our Jobs Board.
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