Industry News
School closures unlikely to provide extra funding
Posted on 10th July 2007
Despite the decision to close six primary schools in Powys, the cost savings made by the local authority is estimated to equate to less than £12 extra per pupil across the county, it has been claimed.
David Thomas, chairman of governors at Ysgol Efyrnway, Llanwddyn – one of the schools facing closure – told the Shropshire Star that closing the schools would not provide as much additional funding as many expect.
"Even if all six schools were to close, Powys expects to 'save' just £500,000 out of a budget of £112 million," Mr Thomas remarked.
This would provide an extra £11.20 per pupil next year if the money was to be included in school budgets, he added.
Mr Thomas' comments follow a report by Professor Dennis O'Keefe on behalf of the Economic Research Council that suggested there should be more inexpensive private schools in the UK to address falling standards in education.