Responding to the draft 2026/27 Welsh Government budget plans outlined in the Senedd today, Laura Doel, national secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, said:
“This ‘rollover’ budget could have dire consequences for Welsh schools which are already in the grip of a severe funding crisis.
“School leaders tell us they are facing budget deficits and having to make unpalatable choices including cutting staff and resources. They do not have enough money for statutory provision, let along begin to address challenges like supporting pupils with additional learning needs, academic attainment, attendance and behaviour, all of which are Welsh Government priorities
“NAHT and other unions wrote to the finance secretary last month to make this point and again ask for answers on what has happened to the ‘consequential’ funding for education Wales was entitled to under the Barnett Formula following the increased spending on education announced in England nearly a year ago.
“It would have been reasonable to expect that schools would benefit from this increased funding. While it remains unclear whether this is the case from Mark Drakeford’s response, if schools receive similar levels of funding next year this will fall far short of what they need given the pressures he acknowledges they are under.
“We urge the Welsh Government to rethink this damaging proposal and for all parties in the Senedd to agree to a budget which gives our schools and children the support they deserve.”
First published 14 October 2025