Cost of living crisis: the impact on schools

This project will explore the impact of the cost of living crisis on schools. 

Why this project is important

The cost of living crisis is having a profound impact on pupils and families.

The cost of living is also putting strain on school finances, and we know that schools are often a first line of support for families. It is unclear whether the additional funding committed by the government will be enough to mitigate the effects on schools.  

This research will provide crucial evidence on:

• the scale of challenges in schools
• how these vary across settings and groups of pupils
• the impact on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• and what steps schools are taking to mitigate the impacts of the crisis.

What does the research involve?

This project will involve a nationally representative survey of mainstream and special schools in England.

Research questions

1. What impact is the cost of living crisis having on pupils within schools, in terms of attendance, safeguarding, behaviour, hunger, health, and well-being? 

2. What welfare-related support is being provided by schools to pupils and their families (e.g. foodbanks, uniform, subsidised clubs or equipment)? How is it being targeted, and how has this changed over time? How are schools liaising with and/or picking up the roles of other local services? 

3. What impact is the cost of living crisis having on day-to-day provision within schools – including via school funding and recruitment pressures? How is it directly affecting the wellbeing and personal finances of teaching staff? 

The online survey will be directed to senior leaders and classroom teachers. Senior leaders will be asked about whole-school issues, and class teachers will be asked about their own individual experiences, practices, and how they are targeting support.

The researchers will analyse the results to consider:

• whether school-level and labour market factors explain variations in recruitment challenges
• to what extent disparities in school and trust finances explain differences in the ability to meet pupil need
• and the extent to which being in a local authority school or academy can explain the differences in how schools are being affected by the crisis.   

How will this research make a difference?

The research findings will be presented in forums such as the Social Mobility and SEND All Party Parliamentary Groups. The researchers will engage with stakeholders throughout the project and will draw on expertise from across the education sector.

The final report, containing findings and policy recommendations, will be available to download on this page.