Schools must not hoard excessive surplus budgets

SCHOOLS should not build-up excessive surpluses in their budgets, according to the former Schools Commissioner and Director General of EACT.

 

The Government has published figures indicating the level of surpluses in school budgets is sometimes inappropriate.

 

Commenting on the Department for Children Schools and Families’ statistical tables which indicate that some schools are building up huge surpluses in their revenue budgets, Sir Bruce Liddington, said:

 

"There is no excuse for schools holding on to vast sums of revenue cash. It effectively deprives pupils of the money provided to educate them now. Governors must take responsibility as well as headteachers for responsible management of budgets and ensure a clear differentiation between capital and revenue plans.

 

“Schools should use this money as a spur to be more challenging and innovative as well as focusing the additional money on raising attainment.  

 

"Taxpayers' money is aimed at improving educational experiences and outcomes for current students. A small, prudent contingency budget is all that is required for the vast majority of schools."