Education is a powerful tool, a cornerstone of personal, social, and economic growth. Yet, the recent decision to cut funding for International Baccalaureate (IB) schools threatens to undermine access to this vital educational resource for many children and young adults across the nation.

This irresponsible and callous decision, stemming from a Department for Education coding error that underestimated pupil numbers and created a £370m shortfall in the National Funding Formula - turns the IB program from a stepping stone for academic and personal achievement accessible to all, into a privilege accessible primarily to those who can afford private schooling.

This decision, which has neither gone through a consultation or provided any pre-warning to the affected institutions, will have profound implications on wider social mobility and access to high-calibre education. 

By restricting access to the IB curriculum only to students from wealthier backgrounds who can afford private education, this is perpetuating a cycle of inequality, as opposed to meritocracy. 

The IB diploma encourages children to work hard and towards a positive educational aspiration, further opening up opportunities, enhancing learning experiences, and preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.  The decision to defund / cut funding for IB schools not only limits these benefits but detracts from our collective progress as a society.  It is our responsibility to ensure that education remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for all, not just for a privileged few. 

Our key concerns:

* Current and prospective students who have committed to an IB education in good faith and have worked very hard to meet the higher standards, are now at risk of losing access to this educational programme, including the subjects offered, teaching hours and support, or even the ability to complete the program - facing uncertainty, disruption, and potential loss of opportunity.

* The projected £430 million in “savings opportunities” across schools has proven largely unattainable, with actual savings averaging just £27,000 per school, and at great detrimental cost to the impacted students and affected institutions.

Let's appeal to our policymakers and educational leaders to uphold educational inclusivity and fairness. By reinstating funding for IB schools, we can support a diverse range of students who aspire to benefit from this globally recognised program. Together, we can work towards an education system that values merit and potential over economic status.

Sign this petition to urge the reversal of the funding ban on International Baccalaureate schools and help ensure a more equitable future for all students.