'Postcode lottery' concerns as school spending gap revealed

THE amount spent on each maintained school pupil in Wales varies by more than £1,844 this school year, in what teaching unions describe as a funding “postcode lottery”.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education editor abbie.wightwick@walesonlinecouk

How much is spent on school education per child depends on where they live and go to school.

All 22 local education authorities have increased the amount spent per pupil this year, but the sums vary, Welsh Government figures show.

The local authority budgeted expenditure data reveals that Denbighshire will spend the least in 2025-2026 at £7,896 per pupil, with Newport not far behind at £7,903.

Pupils in Powys get the most in 2025-26, with £9,747 allocated per pupil there.

The figures come as the new school year gets under way with schools, unions and councils warning about funding pressures.

One local authority has warned jobs would go, with six of its schools at “high financial risk’.

Teaching union NASUWT described education funding in Wales as “a postcode lottery”, while the National Association of Headteachers Cymru said “there is no level playing field to calculate this money fairly across Welsh schools”.

The Welsh Government is consulting on changes to school funding formulas in a bid to address concerns about unfairness and lack of transparency.

Although per-pupil spend has risen across Wales, that rise is far greater in percentage terms in some areas than others. Costs have also hiked, meaning the rise may not mean much more in real terms.

Schools and local authorities are struggling with higher bills and staff pay increases, with a 4% pay rise awarded to teachers from September 1 this year.

Claire Armitstead, director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, said the disparity in spending across Wales “is deeply concerning”.

“The difference across local authorities is a huge concern. However, the difference within a local authority is equally worrying. Schools are funded so differently, but the expectations on them are the same,’ she added.