Understanding the core schools budget grant

Posted by EYR Team on 24th Mar 2025

In October of 2024, the government released its Autumn Budget. This detailed, amongst other things, the intended budgets and plans for spending within education. This blog breaks down the key points within education so that you can better plan your spending and prepare for the second phase, planned for Spring 2025.

What are the main points from the Autumn budget?

Spending within education will increase by £11.2 billion from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026. This is a 3.5% increase
Increasing funding for the core schools budget by £2.3 billion
£1 billion of the core schools budget will go towards the special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/D) system
Allocation of £1.8 billion to further expand government-funded childcare and early education
Providing £30 million for the free breakfast clubs in thousands of primary schools
Providing £6.7 billion of funding in 2025-2026 (up 19% from 2024-2025) for schools to rebuild, maintenance of schools, and skills capital
A pledge to recruit 6,500 teachers
Removal of charitable rate relief from private schools from April 2025

What is the core school budgets grant?

The Core Schools Budget Grant (CSBG) was introduced by the Department of Education as a way to support schools in 2024-2025. It accounts for two-thirds of the whole education budget. It is to support:

Teacher pay awards
Support staff pay offers

Who is eligible for the CSBG?

The grant is available to:

Local authority-maintained schools
Academies
Special schools
Pupil referral units
Centrally employed teachers via local authorities

What does the Autumn Budget mean for schools?

Based on the points covered in the Autumn Budget, schools should expect:

Increased budgets for provision
More money put toward Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
Provision for more breakfast clubs
More funding for school buildings to be rebuilt or improved
An increase in the number of teachers

What can be done with the information from the Autumn Budget?

Here are some ways in which different groups can act on the information at present:

1. Schools and education

Budget planning: schools should consider reviewing their funding allocation and plan staffing, resources, etc. accordingly
Private schools: independent schools may need to adjust fee structures, offer financial aid or explore cost-saving measures to support families affected by the new VAT rules
Buildings: schools identified as those needing refurbishment should make sure they fully understand the funding process and the expected timelines

2. Teachers and teaching staff

Increase awareness on funding: understand how the budget will affect teacher salaries, support staff pay, and recruitment
Be aware of potential staffing changes: the increased funding for recruitment could mean new job opportunities or shifts in working patterns

3. Parents

Keep up to date with changes: parents should be aware that changes in school funding may have an impact on class sizes, resources, or activities
Private school fees: parents with children in private education may need to reassess financial planning

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Autumn Budget announcement will have significant implications for education. Whether you’re a teacher, parent or caregiver, staying informed and taking action where needed can help ensure the best outcomes for both children and schools.