Key takeaways from our major budgeting webinar for schools and trusts

How can schools and trusts thrive when their budgets are constantly under pressure?

Our must-see webinars, Smarter Schools: Budgeting for Impact, Not Just Survival, bringing together sector leaders and experts to discuss the matter.

In addition to an uncompromising look at the real challenges and frustrations leaders face, they also reveal some important solutions.

The webinar recording is available to view now. But if you want a sneak peek, here are some key takeaways.

Experts – bring insight and optimism

Here’s who sets the bar high with their expertise:

John Murphy (host) – Educational Leadership Mentor, Advisor and Public Speaker

Peter Hughes – Mossbourne Federation CEO

Bless Yue – CFO of River Learning Trust

Stephen Morales – MA, FISBL, F.InstESE – CEO at the Institute of School Business Leadership

Corey Bateman – CEO of Pioneer Learning Trust

John Murphy, as host, sets the tone.

He told online participants, “What we want you to do is end the call with clarity, and we want you to end the call with optimism.”

Money is still the biggest problem for schools

While this webinar takes an optimistic, solutions-based approach, the panel doesn’t shy away from stark realities.

The panel paints a sobering picture: flat or declining real budgets, rising costs due to inflation, energy and wages, and growing demand. This last point can be felt particularly around SEND provisions.

As Peter Hughes said, “Today we are being asked to do more, but there is less funding to do it.”

The problem is more than just a funding gap

Benedicte Yue sums up the funding situation as she sees it. “The next three years […] it looks particularly bad with flat funding announcements – while we have inflation of 3.8% and a living wage rise of 4.1% in April next year,” he said.

“We have a funding model that does not support inclusive education, or support society or the economy. The return on investment is very poor if we look at it from a macro perspective.

“While successive governments have claimed funding at record levels, this has been in the context of inflation and rising pupil numbers. So, when we start to see it in real terms per pupil increase, it’s not as compelling.”

He added: “We really need to be clear about the vision of Education we want as a society and build a funding model that supports that vision. Education should not be seen as a cost to be managed, but as an investment that can generate significant educational, social and economic benefits.”

The strength of interfaith relationships

One of the most inspiring themes that emerged in this webinar was the power of relationships. Cori Bateman says that for Pioneer Learning Trust, building these relationships is “the biggest solution to everything.”

He forged genuine partnerships with other institutions and with the broader community.

Cori described how her trust had exchanged expertise and resources with neighboring trusts. If someone needs a place, someone else can offer expertise in return. No money exchanges hands.

“Reciprocity is one of our core underlying principles,” he said. He added, this is a powerful way to use tax money wisely.

Strategic clarity and organizational design

Another recurring theme is the need for strategic clarity. Peter Hughes tells how Mossbourne Federation simplified its curriculum and budgeting processes to focus on what matters most. He said, “If you don’t know what’s important to you, you have no chance of managing your resources.”

Peter’s approach involves openly dividing the budget among the actors. Schools are empowered to make decisions about their own resources.

Operational efficiency and embracing technology

How can you work smarter?

Benedict Yue shows the benefits of integrated data systems and evidence-based decision making. Meanwhile, Stephen Morales emphasized the importance of system integration and data-based insights.

Standardizing processes and using digital tools can save valuable time and money. As a result, staff can focus on core educational activities.

Human resources and capacity building

No system can succeed without the right people. Our panel said the following are important for long-term sustainability:

• Invest in staff development
• Build internal expertise
• Ensure the right people are in the right roles

Sometimes, this means outsourcing or sharing services to manage costs and improve results. But most importantly, this means valuing and developing the people who make schools successful.

Adaptability, optimism, and advocacy

Speakers encouraged a mindset of adaptability, innovation, and optimism. Instead, schools are encouraged to take a proactive, community-based approach. By doing this, they can strive for continuous improvement and advocate for change across the sector.

Stephen Morales said, “We need an ecosystem that can lean on each other and share best practices and innovation.”

Watch the webinar, get all the insights

Smarter Schools: Budgeting for Impact, Not Just Survival, is an hour filled with valuable insights and real-world examples.

As a result, this blog can only scratch the surface. But there is good news.

Webinars are available now, on demand.