Schools in Cardiff are facing “considerable deficits” and children’s education across Wales will be “diminished” if it is not funded adequately, a headteacher has warned. Huw Powell, head of Mary Immaculate High, warned staff and subjects will be cut with school budgets not matching rising costs.
Cardiff Council said several factors have contributed to “a level of financial uncertainty and challenge for all schools across the city, that they would not have experienced for many years”. The true picture won’t be known until early May when budgets have to be reported.
Fuel alone is hitting school finances hard with the gas and electricity bill at Mary Immaculate soaring from £30,000 to around £150,000 this year. There are also concerns about rising staff costs and a fall in pupil numbers in years ahead.
