9 min read | funding recruitment education landscape
Bridging the Gap: Addressing Disparities in Education for North East Schools
The North East of England is home to vibrant communities and a proud industrial heritage, yet its schools face persistent challenges that undermine the potential of its students. Despite serving some of the most disadvantaged areas in the country, schools in the North East receive less funding per pupil than those in London, where students often achieve higher academic outcomes. This funding disparity is compounded by higher operational costs, such as energy expenses, and the greater need for educational interventions to support pupils from deprived backgrounds.
The result is a widening gap in opportunities and outcomes. While London schools achieve nearly 29% of GCSE grades at 7/A or above, the North East lags far behind at just under 18%. Teacher shortages, recruitment challenges, and inadequate resources further exacerbate the issue. Yet, these statistics tell only part of the story; they also highlight an urgent call to action.
This article examines the complex landscape of education in the North East, exploring the reasons behind the disparities and showcasing innovative practices and strategies that are making a difference. From rethinking funding models to leveraging local partnerships, this piece offers actionable solutions for ensuring every child, regardless of their postcode, can access a high-quality education and a brighter future.
The Current Education Landscape in the North East
Funding Disparities
One of the most significant challenges facing schools in the North East is the disparity in funding. Despite higher levels of deprivation, schools in this region receive less per-pupil funding compared to their counterparts in London. This gap in funding creates a resource shortage in schools that serve some of the most disadvantaged communities. Research suggests that if funding in the North East were aligned with London’s levels, it could inject much-needed resources into the region's education system.
High Operational Costs
In addition to lower funding, schools in the North East are grappling with higher operational costs. Notably, energy expenditure per pupil is significantly higher than in London schools, stretching already tight budgets even further. As a result, schools must allocate funds to cover rising utility costs, leaving less available for other vital educational resources and interventions.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention Issues
Teacher recruitment and retention pose another major challenge. Schools in the North East struggle to attract and retain experienced staff, with many relying on expensive supply teachers to fill gaps. This not only inflates staffing costs but also impacts the consistency and quality of education. Teacher shortages are particularly acute in certain subject areas, such as STEM and modern languages, making it even harder for schools to meet the needs of their students. Furthermore, a lack of professional development opportunities for teachers in the region makes it difficult to sustain high levels of teaching quality.
Academic Achievement Gaps
Despite the hard work and dedication of staff, the academic outcomes for students in the North East remain lower compared to other regions, particularly London. In 2024, only 17.8% of GCSE entries in the North East achieved grades 7/A or above, in stark contrast to London’s 28.6%. This gap in performance can be attributed to multiple factors, including the higher levels of pupil exclusion, socio-economic disadvantage, and a lack of adequate support for interventions. These disparities persist year on year, creating a cycle of disadvantage for students in the region.
Addressing the Challenges
In summary, the North East faces a unique set of challenges: lower funding, higher costs, staffing issues, and poorer academic outcomes. These factors create a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to break, but there are pathways forward, including targeted investments in both staffing and infrastructure, as well as systemic changes to ensure that funding is more equitably distributed.
Pathways Forward: Solutions at School, Regional, and National Levels
While the challenges facing education in the North East are significant, there are several pathways forward at school, regional, and national levels that can help address disparities in funding, resources, and student outcomes. By focusing on targeted support, collaboration, and strategic investments, we can work towards a more equitable educational landscape for all students in the region.
School-Level Solutions
Targeted Use of Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium funding, designed to support disadvantaged students, is one of the most important tools schools in the North East can leverage to address disparities. Schools should ensure that this funding is strategically targeted to meet the specific needs of their pupils.
This could include additional support staff for personalised learning, interventions for students at risk of falling behind, and investment in extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for social mobility. Evidence shows that when schools use Pupil Premium funding effectively—through tailored programmes and monitoring—disadvantaged students make significant progress.
Investing in Staff wellbeing and CPD
Investing in the wellbeing of teachers and offering continuous professional development (CPD) can have a direct impact on the quality of education provided. Schools in the North East might look to prioritise CPD in areas such as behaviour management, subject knowledge, and leadership skills. Supporting teachers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in challenging environments can improve retention and overall school performance. For example, structured mentoring and peer learning opportunities could be implemented to create a culture of support and professional growth.
Energy Upgrades
With higher energy costs impacting school budgets, implementing energy efficiency measures at the school level is essential. Schools could explore retrofitting their buildings with more energy-efficient heating, lighting, and insulation systems. Government schemes and grants aimed at improving energy efficiency in schools, such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, can help reduce operational costs over time and free up funds for educational resources.
Regional-Level Solutions
Community Collaboration and Local Partnerships
To address the unique needs of their communities, schools in the North East could strengthen partnerships with local businesses, charities, and community organisations. These collaborations can help provide additional resources, tutoring programs, and career pathways for students.
For example, initiatives that connect students with local employers for internships and apprenticeships can offer valuable real-world experience, improving employment outcomes. Local partnerships can also provide access to enrichment activities such as sports, arts, and cultural experiences, which are often the first to be cut when budgets are tight.
Local Education Authorities (LEAs) Support
Local Education Authorities (LEAs) play a vital role in supporting schools in the North East, especially in the face of regional disparities. LEAs can help bridge gaps in funding and resources by providing targeted support for schools in disadvantaged areas. These authorities often coordinate services such as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, training for teachers, and school improvement initiatives.
They are also instrumental in helping schools secure additional funding, whether through national government programs or regional grants. In some cases, LEAs can also provide guidance on best practices for budgeting and managing school finances, helping schools make the most of their available resources.
Regional Hubs and Collaborative Networks
In recent years, regional hubs have emerged as a key mechanism for supporting schools in areas with high levels of disadvantage. These hubs often bring together schools within a specific region to share resources, expertise, and best practices. For example, hubs can provide access to professional development opportunities, assist with teacher recruitment, and offer support in areas such as curriculum design and special educational needs.
These collaborative networks are particularly valuable in the North East, where schools may otherwise lack the resources to offer these opportunities individually. The creation of regional hubs helps mitigate some of the challenges schools face, allowing them to pool resources and expertise for mutual benefit.
School Clusters: Pooling Resources
School clusters, which involve groups of nearby schools working together, offer an effective way for schools to share resources, funding, and training opportunities. By collaborating within a cluster, schools can maximise their collective purchasing power, access joint training programmes, and provide a broader range of extracurricular activities. These arrangements are particularly beneficial in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, where individual schools might struggle to offer certain programmes on their own.
Pooling resources and working together allows schools in a cluster to better meet the needs of their students, offer high-quality professional development for staff, and reduce operational costs across the board. This collaborative model also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among schools, which helps them overcome financial and operational challenges.
School clusters are a valuable approach that encourages schools to cooperate, ultimately improving the quality of education and supporting student success, despite the financial constraints each individual school faces.
Regional-Level Solutions
Fairer Funding
At the national level, funding mechanisms can be adjusted by policymakers to ensure that schools in the North East receive adequate resources. A review of the National Funding Formula (NFF) should account for the unique challenges faced by schools in more disadvantaged areas, such as the North East. Adjusting the NFF to ensure fairer distribution of funding could help close the gap between regions, allowing schools in the North East to offer comparable educational opportunities to those in London and other affluent areas.
Incentives for Teacher Recruitment and Retention
The national government should introduce additional incentives to attract teachers to the North East, where recruitment is a persistent issue. These incentives could include increased funding for training and professional development, alongside financial incentives such as higher pay for teachers in hard-to-recruit areas. Additionally, offering loan forgiveness schemes for teachers who work in disadvantaged regions or introducing regional teacher retention bonuses could help schools maintain a stable workforce and improve overall teaching quality.
Regional Hubs and Collaborative Networks
In recent years, regional hubs have emerged as a key mechanism for supporting schools in areas with high levels of disadvantage. These hubs often bring together schools within a specific region to share resources, expertise, and best practices. For example, hubs can provide access to professional development opportunities, assist with teacher recruitment, and offer support in areas such as curriculum design and special educational needs.
These collaborative networks are particularly valuable in the North East, where schools may otherwise lack the resources to offer these opportunities individually. The creation of regional hubs helps mitigate some of the challenges schools face, allowing them to pool resources and expertise for mutual benefit.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Policy adjustments should include increased funding for energy efficiency upgrades in schools, particularly in the North East, where schools face disproportionately high energy costs. Government initiatives, such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, can be expanded to offer more comprehensive support for schools looking to reduce their energy consumption. By funding these upgrades, the government can help schools save money on energy bills, allowing them to allocate more resources to teaching and learning.
Supporting the North East: Collaborative Initiatives and Charitable Support
To address the disparities faced by schools in the North East, several organisations and initiatives are working to provide targeted support, training, and resources. These efforts help schools in the region access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach due to financial constraints or geographical challenges. By fostering collaboration and leveraging external resources, these programmes aim to boost educational outcomes for disadvantaged students and ensure a more equitable learning experience. Below are some of the key initiatives making a difference.
Success4All
Based in the North East, this charity runs a variety of educational programs aimed at disadvantaged children and young people. Their Learning Hubs, summer schools, and mobile learning bus bring crucial educational support directly to local communities. Success4All focuses on providing extra help where it’s most needed, particularly in areas where digital or financial exclusion hampers access to education. Success4All
SHINE (Support and Help in Education)
SHINE provides grants to fund educational programs primarily in the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber. These programs aim to give disadvantaged young people the essential tools for life, including academic support and personal development. Charity Register
Royal Opera House (ROH) Programme
The Royal Opera House (ROH) has several initiatives that are making a significant impact on schools in the North East, especially in terms of widening access to the arts, such as programmes linking primary schools with local colleges and theatres for collaborative arts projects.
Their Schools’ Matinees programme, which invites pupils to experience world-class opera and ballet performances, has reached over 10,000 students, including many from schools with a higher percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals. The programme is particularly beneficial for schools outside of London, with substantial engagement from state-funded schools in more disadvantaged areas.
Additionally, ROH offers a Learning Platform that provides tailored resources for schools, helping teachers to integrate opera, ballet, and theatre craft into their classrooms. These resources aim to inspire both students and teachers, making arts education more accessible and engaging. Royal Ballet and Opera
These kinds of initiatives are a great example of how cultural institutions are partnering with schools in the North East to provide enriching experiences and support students’ creative development, despite financial constraints.
A Vision for the Future
The challenges facing schools in the North East are undeniable: from higher operational costs to lower funding per pupil, schools in this region face a unique set of obstacles that impact both the quality of education and opportunities for students. These disparities are exacerbated by the social and economic challenges of serving disadvantaged communities. However, there is hope. Through targeted solutions at the school, regional, and national levels, positive change is possible.
At the school level, a focus on efficient resource allocation, including the strategic use of Pupil Premium funding and collaboration through school clusters, can help address immediate challenges and improve student outcomes. Regional-level efforts, such as increased partnerships between schools, local authorities, and external organisations, offer the potential for shared resources and better support networks for disadvantaged students. Nationally, a more equitable funding system, incentives for teacher recruitment, and initiatives to improve energy efficiency can help reduce the gap between the North East and wealthier regions like London.
Ultimately, a vision for the future of education in the North East is one where collaboration, innovation, and targeted investment lead to a fairer, more prosperous educational landscape. By working together—at the school, regional, and national levels—we can ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities they deserve.