Islington headteachers slam funding cuts to education on day of ‘big assembly’ park protests

An army of 51 headteachers from schools across Islington have slammed funding cuts to education on an afternoon in which families came in their droves to the borough’s parks for the nationwide ‘big assembly’.

Hundreds of staff, students and parents flocked to Islington’s parks – including large representations in Finsbury Park and Tufnell Park – in response to the government’s national funding formula.

Islington schools are set to lose almost £15 million by 2019 under the government’s proposals, the equivalent of £711 less per pupils or the loss of 400 teachers over the same period.

In a show of support, heads have united after analysis was revealed today (Friday) by the Institute of Fiscal Studies suggesting the Conservative party’s manifesto commitment to more funding will in fact amount to a three per cent budget cut in real terms by 2022 – and a 7 per cent cut taking into account savings already made by schools.

A joint statement said: “Cuts are forcing us to do things which we know as professionals are not in the best interests of our children. This cannot continue and we cannot let this go unchallenged.

“For many years headteachers, school staff, governors and the education authority have worked tirelessly together to create high quality provision across the borough.

“We are writing to express our deep concerns that continued inadequate funding of schools will mean we will not be able to sustain these successes.”

Cassie Moss, headteacher of Yerbury primary school which recorded the anti-cuts anthem and video ‘schools just wanna have funds, said: “We have come together because we can’t sit back and watch a world class and inclusive education system be decimated without shouting about it from the rooftops.

“Headteachers very rarely voice themselves publicly but we are extremely concerned about the impact of these real term cuts on schools and children’s education.

“Making savings in this way is a very shortsighted and misinformed strategy which will negatively affect current and future generations of children, making them less well-equipped for life, the world of work, and contributing in a positive way to society.”