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22nd January 2013

Education reforms lead to first increase in number of schools in 5 years

Academies and free schools begin to swell numbers

The number of schools in England has risen for the first time in five years, according to figures from Syscap, a leading independent finance provider to the education sector.

The total number of schools in England rose by 41 in 2011-12 (year end September 3), compared with an average fall of 141 schools per year over the previous four years.

Syscap says that the figures show the impact of reforms to the education system, with the launch of free schools and an increase in academies. However Syscap warns these new schools to budget properly for the demand from parents for investment in new equipment.

Says Philip White, Chief Executive of Syscap: "Our education system is undergoing the biggest shake-up since the introduction of comprehensive schools, and as a result, we've seen the number of schools rise for the first time in five years."

"Free schools obviously need to equip themselves from the ground up, but even for an existing school converting to academy status, there are expectations from parents that there will be new equipment in the school."

This total was boosted by a huge increase in the number of newly-created academies, which more than trebled from 52 in 2010-11 to 180 in 2011-12. 69 free schools were also created in 2011-12, the first full year since their introduction.

On top of these new schools there were also 830 academies created by conversion from traditional school types in 2011-12.

Syscap explains that while schools converting to academy status may retain the same buildings and teaching staff, independence from local authority control puts these schools in charge of their own procurement, resulting in a larger per-pupil budget. Many academy sponsors state their intention to transform their schools through investment.

Comments Philip White: "These schools have complete control over their own budgets, and this has delivered a significant boost to per-pupil spending. They must ensure that this spending is done in an effective manner. Improving IT equipment is one way in which these schools can make a statement about their future direction."

"This kind of overhaul of equipment may appear daunting to school administrators, but it can be a major draw when attracting new pupils to the school."

"Leasing allows schools much more flexibility than major up-front investment - when budgets are tight, spreading the cost of major IT purchases over a longer period can allow further investment in other areas."

Syscap says that IT equipment for pupils is not the only purchase that may be necessary for new academies and Free Schools - management and accounting software may be a vital investment for school administrators unused to managing such large budgets.

Explains Philip White: "We are expecting to see an increased demand for software to help manage the administration and accounting of these new schools. For school management who are still gaining experience in their new roles, software that can monitor budgets, pupil absences and parental communication can be enormously helpful."

Emphasis on computer science influences IT spending

Syscap adds that Education Secretary Michael Gove's plan to put computer science and programming skills at the forefront of technology teaching is also influencing buying decisions.

 Philip White comments: "Schools are planning technology upgrades with programming in mind, but they still need to run a suite of computers for countless other functions like maths, design, desktop publishing and language teaching."

 This is presenting schools with some quite difficult decisions, and they know that with austerity here to stay for several more years, they need to get the biggest possible return from their investment."

Change in number of schools in England

 

See this article in:

Education Today