Where your school's money goes

Where the money comes from

Most of your school's money comes from the government. The amount depends mostly on how many pupils the school has. More pupils means more money.

Schools get extra money for some pupils. For example, the pupil premium is extra money for pupils from families with less money (IFS 2026 report, p. 51).

What the money pays for

Most of the money pays the people who work at your school. That means teachers, teaching assistants, office staff and many more. Across England, more than 8 out of every 10 pounds that schools spend goes on staff (IFS 2026 report, p. 63).

The rest pays for things like:

• heating and lighting;
• books, paper and computers;
• repairs to the building;
• trips, clubs and lunches.

How much is that for each pupil?

Across England, a primary school spends about £7,000 a year for each pupil. A secondary school spends about £7,800 (IFS 2026 report, p. 7).

Saving and spending more

Schools try to keep some money saved for surprises, like a broken boiler. This is called a reserve.

Sometimes a school spends more than it gets in one year. It can use some of its savings to cover that. That can be fine.

If the savings run out and go below zero, the school is "in deficit". The adults at the school then make a plan to get back on track, with help from the council or the school's trust. It is a problem for the adults to solve.

Questions you could ask

• What would the school buy if it had a bit more money?
• How does the school save energy?
• Can the school council have a say in how some money is spent?

Find your school

Search for your school at the top of this page. Ask a grown-up to help you read the figures.