Welsh School Leaders Call for Rethink of 'Damaging' Rollover Budget

As the 2026/27 Welsh Government budget plans were outlined in the Senedd, school leaders from NAHT Cymru, the school leaders' union, expressed deep concerns about the proposed budget. The "rollover" budget, which would maintain current funding levels, could have severe consequences for Welsh schools already facing a severe funding crisis. School leaders are struggling to make ends meet, and this budget would not provide enough funding for statutory provision, let alone address pressing challenges such as supporting pupils with additional learning needs.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed "rollover" budget for 2026/27 could lead to severe consequences for Welsh schools, exacerbating the existing funding crisis.
• NAHT Cymru, the school leaders' union, has written to the finance secretary to express concerns about the budget and the lack of "consequential" funding for education following increased spending in England.
• School leaders are facing budget deficits and are being forced to make difficult choices, including cutting staff and resources.
• The proposed budget would not provide enough funding for statutory provision, let alone address pressing challenges such as supporting pupils with additional learning needs.
• NAHT Cymru is urging the Welsh Government to rethink the budget and prioritize education funding to support Welsh schools and children.
• Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, stated that schools are facing severe funding pressures and are having to make unpalatable choices to cope with budget deficits.

Statistics:

• NAHT Cymru has written to the finance secretary twice to express concerns about the budget and the lack of "consequential" funding for education.
• The proposed budget would not provide enough funding for statutory provision, which is a Welsh Government priority.
• School leaders are facing budget deficits and are having to make difficult choices to cope with these pressures.
• The pounds sterling equivalent of the budget deficit for Welsh schools in 2025 remains unclear.
• NAHT Cymru is urging the Welsh Government to increase education funding to support Welsh schools and children.

Sources:

• National Association of Head Teachers, "Latest comments, Press room, Welsh school leaders call for rethink of damaging rollover budget," October 14, 2025, https://www.naht.org.uk/News/Latest-comments/Press-room/ArtMID/558/ArticleID/2853/Welsh-school-leaders-call-for-rethink-of-damaging-rollover-budget