Introduction
The Education Spending Review 2025 has now been published — but what does it actually mean for primary schools?
With headlines around budget increases and free school meal expansions, the details reveal a mixed picture. While some funding is rising, real-terms growth per pupil remains modest, and costs in areas like SEND and staffing continue to increase.
In this post, we break down what the education spending review 2025 includes, what it means for your school’s budget, and how to approach procurement in the months ahead.
What’s in the 2025 Spending Review?
The government’s review promises a headline increase in the schools budget of £4.7 billion by 2028–29. But the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned that this equates to just a 1% real-terms increase per pupil, per year — meaning many schools may still feel a funding squeeze.
Notable changes include:
- An expansion of free school meals to cover 500,000 more pupils by 2029–30
- Pressure on schools to deliver productivity gains to fund teacher pay rises
- No new ring-fenced funding for digital infrastructure or SEND reform
What This Means for Primary Schools
For most primary schools, the review will feel like more of the same: tight budgets, rising costs, and increasing accountability.
Here’s what to expect in practical terms:
- Increased catering costs for schools affected by free school meal expansion
- Budget strain from rising SEND needs, especially in smaller schools
- Little new capital funding for estate improvements or digital upgrades
- Staffing pressure, as pay increases outpace core funding growth
What You Can Do: 5 Smart Procurement Moves
1. Review and Consolidate Supplier Contracts
Check for duplications across your school or trust. Where can you consolidate or renegotiate?
2. Collaborate Across Your Trust or Cluster
Group procurement offers savings and reduces admin. If you’re in a MAT or federation, consider joint tenders for services like cleaning or CPD.
👉 Learn more on our Procurement Support for Schools page
3. Focus on High-Impact Resources
Prioritise spending on learning-focused tools or interventions that support pupil outcomes directly.
4. Use Procurement Frameworks
Frameworks save time, reduce risk, and ensure compliance. They’re ideal for commonly sourced services and tech.
5. Plan Ahead and Track Spend
Build a procurement calendar and monitor renewals — this reduces last-minute spending at inflated prices.
Funding Opportunities Still Available
Despite the tight national picture, many primary schools can still access additional funding sources, such as:
- Local authority grant pots
- Charitable trusts and educational foundations
- MAT or cluster-wide project funding
👉 Need help with funding routes? Visit our Funding Advice for Schools page.
Final Thoughts
The education spending review 2025 reinforces the importance of strategic procurement. While overall funding has increased on paper, rising costs and external pressures mean schools must plan smarter and buy better.
At Rocco Education, we’re here to help schools do just that — with personalised support, supplier matching, and efficient event-led procurement.
Ready to Take Control of Your Procurement?
Rocco Education helps schools, trusts and clusters navigate procurement with confidence.
