A parent says figures that suggest schools funding in the borough has been cut by more than £4 million are "scandalous".

The Government has claimed that, in real terms, per-pupil school funding will reach its “highest level in history” in the next financial year.

But the most recent Institute for Fiscal Studies analysis shows that total school spending per pupil will not reach 2009 levels in 2024/25, although it is increasing.

The IFS said that in one model based on general inflation, spending next year would be 99.9% of that 15 years ago, but that in another, based on schools-specific cost inflation, this figure stands at 96.1%.

The 'School Cuts' website, which is maintained by the National Education Union, calculates cuts based on expected increases in government funding and school costs.

It says 46 schools in Islington face cuts totalling more than £4 million this year.

But the Department for Education (DfE) says the union's figures are “speculative assumptions” regarding next year’s pay award for teachers and support staff.

Dom Milne, a parent whose child attends primary school in the borough, said: “I am appalled at the underhand way the Government is deliberately chipping away at the quality of education on offer to children in the borough.

Islington Gazette: Parent, Dom Milne, labelled the cuts 'scandalous' Parent, Dom Milne, labelled the cuts 'scandalous' (Image: Praful Nargund)

“The impact on these schools for the children is immeasurable in the long term. The more that is done to highlight and quickly reverse this scandalous practice the better."

Barnsbury ward councillor Praful Nargund says the figures reveal the extent of the Government’s “underfunding” of Islington schools.

Cllr Nargund said Highbury Fields School and New North Academy are projected to be the worst impacted secondary and primary schools respectively.

'School Cuts' lists Highbury Fields as losing £398 per pupil compared to last year, while New North faces a deficit of £496 for each student. 

Cllr Nargund added: “By underfunding our schools, the Tory government is discarding the future of the next generation.

“We need the national Government to step up and put proper investment into schools, enabling all of our young people to make the most of their talents.”

His comments have been backed by former president of the National Union of Teachers and Islington resident, Tony Brockman. 

Islington Council is also grappling with falling pupil rolls impacting budgets. The authority is now considering closing two primary schools.

A DfE spokesperson said: “Through the Dedicated Schools Grant, pupils in mainstream schools in Islington are attracting, on average, £7,637 per pupil in 2024-25, which is far above the national average of £5,957 per pupil.

“The Government is also providing an additional up to £40 million this year to support those schools facing the greatest financial challenges – with Islington local authority receiving an allocation of over £364k.”