School Budgets Update

As you are aware there has been a lot of media coverage today around significant budget cuts within N Ireland schools. Unfortunately I do need to advise you that this is a very real situation facing all schools and we in Regent House are not immune. In summary the school’s budget is now facing unfunded increased staff costs, Superannuation and National Insurance contributions adding up to approximately £200,000. This is money that should be spent on learning provision.

 The impact of this on all schools has been widely reported but I include a summary below.

 These additional cuts will mean;

·         A reduction in subject choices at GCSE and A Level.

·         Inability of schools to deliver the statutory Entitlement Curriculum.

·         Even larger class sizes

·         A potentially shorter school day

·         Poorer learning environments with cuts in maintenance, administration, technical support, cleaning and resources.

·         An increase in non-specialist teachers delivering the curriculum.

·         Reduced educational opportunities for a generation of pupils.

The last point is the key one. It is wholly unacceptable that the financial situation can be allowed to reduce the educational opportunities for Regent House pupils.

The Board of Governors, staff and I are determined to protect the opportunities available to our pupils but this situation is impossible to manage. We need the help from everyone in this community to ensure it does not happen. Please ask the politicians what they are planning to do about this.

Yours,

MC Carville