Commenting on an IFS briefing titled The uncertain course for school and college funding over the next Parliament which was funded by the Nuffield Foundation, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The IFS is right to highlight the pressing need for all political parties to address the shortfall in school and college funding.
"70% of schools have seen their spending power fall over the last 14 years. This has had a significant impact on the way our schools are run and what education they can afford to give children and young people.
"To balance the books and keep doors to their schools open, head teachers have been faced with untenable choices. Class sizes have gone up, extra-curricular activities cut or disappeared, the range of subjects offered cut, SEND and pastoral care cut, building repairs left undone.
"This is no way to run an education service.
"All political parties need to face up to the reality that for whoever forms the next Government, education funding must be a top priority. We are way beyond the stage of being able to continue to educate the country’s children based on what funding schools and colleges are currently given. Without significant investment there is no doubt that we will see school closures. We call on all the political parties to think again and commit to investing in the next generation."