Gloucestershire schools face a persistent funding shortfall that threatens the quality of education for every child in the county. Despite national standards and expectations being the same, our schools receive one of the lowest per-pupil allocations in England outside London.

This means we are expected to cover the same teacher salaries, curriculum costs, and support services as better-funded areas, often while also supporting higher levels of SEND and disadvantaged pupils. The impact is clear: stretched budgets, reduced resources, and pressure on staff and students alike.

We call on the government to review and increase Gloucestershire’s Dedicated Schools Grant allocation so that our schools are properly funded to meet national standards. Equal expectations must be matched with adequate funding.

As Chairs of Governors, we urge decision-makers to act now and ensure every child in Gloucestershire has the education they deserve.