A trust which operates two Nottingham schools is concerned over rising energy bills for the next academic term. Rising energy costs, teacher salary rises and limited reserves are causing schools to worry about pupils returning in September, and there have been discussions over a three day school week to reduce costs.
The Creative Education Trust has almost 20 schools across England, including The Bulwell Academy and Ellis Guilford School in Nottingham. Marc Jordan, CEO of the Trust, said: "School budgeting is a tricky business at the best of times because key resource announcements from Government come so late in the planning cycle.
"This year, long after budget planning had been completed, schools have had to deal with huge energy cost increases, a teacher pay settlement way above initial indications and an assumption-busting settlement proposed for non-teaching staff. While these pay increases may be deserved, the fact that Government says it will not provide any extra funding has driven a coach and horses through everyone’s plans.
