Written Statement: Publication of the report of the independent review on school spending in Wales

Following the recommendations from the Children Young People and Education Committee’s report ‘School Funding in Wales’ in July 2019, I commissioned the leading education economist Luke Sibieta to carry out an independent review of school spending in Wales.

The review has now concluded and Luke’s report has been published today.

The report provides an analysis and recommendations as to how the school funding system can be adapted to best support policy goals and ambitions to improve school system in Wales.

I am pleased to welcome this review and extend my thanks to Luke for the indepth analysis provided, and also to our education stakeholders whose expert opinion and engagement has contributed greatly to this work.

The current pandemic is placing unprecedented strain on public sector budgets. I am fully aware of the real pressures that Local Authorities and schools are facing as a consequence. The Welsh Government is doing everything it can to ensure Wales’ public services have all the resources they need to respond to, and mitigate the impact of, the crisis.  Now, more than ever, we need to understand the funding decisions made across Wales to secure equity and excellence for our learners. The publication of this report is therefore very timely as it provides evidence to enable policy makers to make informed decisions when considering funding for schools across Wales, continuing our overall aim of improving school standards and reducing inequalities. I will now take time to consider the evidence presented.