Data sourced from schoolcuts.org.uk reveals a troubling trend in educational funding across the Harpenden & Berkhamsted constituency under the Conservative Government’s 14-year tenure. Since the 2010/11 academic year, schools here have collectively faced £6.2 million in cuts, amounting to £412 less per pupil.

Among the worst affected is St Luke’s School in Redbourn, specialising in Special Educational Needs for children aged 7 to 16 with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Speech and Language Communication Needs (SLCN). St Luke’s has seen funding slashed by £681,062 since 2010/11, leaving less than £4,257 per pupil to support vital educational services.

Secondary schools have also felt the impact:

• Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted: £1.5 million in cuts (£1,213 less per pupil).
• Tring School in Tring: £1.1 million in cuts (£935 less per pupil).
• Roundwood Park School in Harpenden: £937,000 in cuts (£926 less per pupil).

Primary schools are similarly affected:

• Harpenden Academy Primary School in Harpenden: £349,496 in cuts (£1,641 less per pupil).
• Thomas Coram Church of England School in Berkhamsted: £337,625 in cuts (£1,072 less per pupil).
• Bridgewater Primary School in Berkhamsted: £434,651 in cuts (£1,045 less per pupil).

These figures highlight the significant financial strain imposed on local schools, directly impacting the quality of education and support available to students.

For concerned residents and parents, schoolcuts.org.uk provides detailed data on how each school in the constituency has been affected, demonstrating the urgent need for increased investment in education.

If elected at the General Election on Thursday 4 July, the Labour Party will break down barriers to opportunity through supporting schools to:

• Recruit 6,500 new expert teachers in key subjects
• Create 3,000 new primary school-based nurseries
• Deliver free breakfast clubs in every primary school
• Launch an expert-led review of curriculum and assessment, “working with school staff, parents and employers”
• Replace single headline Ofsted grades with a new report card system “telling parents clearly how schools are performing”
• Provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school, so “every young person has access to early support to address problems before they escalate”

More information is available on the Labour Party website.