Response to The Sutton Trust’s School Funding and Pupil Premium 2025 report
School cuts are worsening due to financial pressures, according to a new report by The Sutton Trust.
In the School Funding and Pupil Premium 2025 report, a survey of 1,208 teachers in primary and secondary schools found that more schools are cutting back on teaching staff, support staff, and enrichment, with secondary schools worst affected.
53% of senior leaders have cut spending on school trips and outings, while 74% have cut teaching assistants. Increasing financial pressures also impact the effectiveness of pupil premium funding, with 88% of senior leaders suggesting the funding is less than they need to fully support under-resourced pupils.
Budget cuts affect school staffing resources
These cuts paint a bleak picture of state-funded education. Alongside the growing university access gap, there is an increasing need for effective intervention to ensure under-resourced young people get the education they deserve.
The Access Project is committed to supporting young people from under-resourced backgrounds to raise their aspirations, access top universities, and achieve social mobility. A student enrolled with The Access Project benefits from one-to-one mentoring and skills coaching, trips to top third universities, and optional A level tuition. Under our supervision, young people from under-resourced backgrounds are 50% more likely to place at top universities than academically and demographically similar peers.
The Sutton Trust indicates that schools are facing multiple challenges that disproportionately affect pupils from under-resourced backgrounds. In response, we have worked with our school partners to ensure our programme is designed to address the range of pressures they are experiencing. We also benefit from the support of our partners and funders, which enables us to deliver our programme at a time when schools are under significant financial constraints.
The Access Project responds to The School Funding and Pupil Premium 2025 report
Anna Searle, Chief Executive Officer at The Access Project, said: “The Sutton Trust’s School Funding and Pupil Premium 2025 report highlights in detail the reality of the challenges faced by schools and young people. Amidst financial uncertainty in the education sector, we’re here to play our role in supporting young people to make the most of their education.
“We will continue to work with schools to deliver our intervention to the young people who need our help the most. We’re committed to making sure that everybody, regardless of background, can thrive in education and beyond.”
The Access Project helps young people from under-resourced backgrounds achieve their academic potential and place at top universities. By donating to our programme or volunteering with us, you’re helping the country’s most under-resourced young people find their way to a brighter future.