NAO Report Financial Sustainability of Schools 2021-12-09
2021-12-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The National Audit Office published a report on November 2021 examining the financial sustainability of schools in England, complementing its July 2021 report on school funding.
What is the planned timescale for the Government's response to the National Audit Office's report 'Financial sustainability of schools in England', published in November 2021?
The Government will respond to the expected Public Accounts Committee report on school financial sustainability after it is published.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for responding to the National Audit Office's report, only stated they would respond to the Public Accounts Committee's report after publication.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The National Audit Office reported that 22% of academy trusts had reserves equivalent to a fifth or more of their annual income, while 27% of maintained secondary schools were in deficit.
Does the significant financial disparity between academy trusts and maintained secondary schools not need investigation?
It is possible that it does. Most maintained schools and academy trusts have been in surplus, but there have been significant pressures on some maintained secondary schools. A sizeable minority of academy trusts are building up substantial reserves, meaning they spend less than their annual income on pupils.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any specific investigation or action regarding the financial disparity between academy trusts and maintained secondary schools.
Under Review
Response accuracy