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1/6. IFS's 3rd annual report on education spending out today. 175 pages but the summary here covers the key points. They released the school section in September but there's some interesting stuff on early years, HE and FE https://ifs.org.uk/uploads/R182-2020-annual-report-on-education-spending-in-England.pdf
2/6. AoC statement here, drawing attention to the IFS estimate that the autumn 2020 rise in HE numbers (perhaps 15,000) is supported by extra student loans whereas DFE only funds 0.1% more 16-18 places so part of the higher DfE 16-18 will be spent there https://www.aoc.co.uk/news/ifs-2020-annual-education-spending-report-aoc-responds
3/6. I've had a go at explaining how the extra £400 mil for 16-18 is being used on extra students, pensions and Covid costs/lost income, leaving a sector net minus for pay rises (though this may vary at college level). My figures are tentative https://www.aoc.co.uk/news/where-did-the-%C2%A3400-million-16-19-year-olds-go-2-november-2020
4/6. Back to IFS, it's helpful to have an independent organisation taking a long look at the figures across the education system. If DfE was better at presenting financial info, then there'd be less need for this report but DfE aren't and it's difficult so I hope IFS continue
5/6. I've assisted IFS on some of the obscure FE details so have an interest. I don't agree with everything, eg. funding per FE 16-18 student is higher than in schools because the students are more disadvantaged, more technically focused and the money has to go further (eg VAT)
6/6. Still it's a worry to see every part of education under financial pressure and common factors (need to pay to retain staff, pension costs, changing demographics, poverty). Ministers need to be bold to keep prioritising education in a pandemic and a recession but should do so
