BESA report reveals UK ICT spending to fall by almost 10 million in 2009-10

BESA’s research is based on a survey of ICT co-ordinators and heads of IT from 770 primary and 572 secondary schools from across the UK, conducted in June 2009.

Ray Barker, director of BESA commented, ‘The BESA ICT in UK State Schools research indicates that after year-on-year increases in ICT budgets since 2001, we are now naturally experiencing a reduction in estimated ICT allocations from school budgets.  This is not surprising as schools are under many financial pressures. Education funding has not been reduced and schools know that they have necessary funds; however during uncertain times, and with pressures to change upon them, schools appear to be treating ICT budgets with caution.’

‘Many schools indicate they still feel under-equipped in vital ICT equipment, such as laptop computers and internet access for pupils. This is because they are now wanting to use such resources more as ICT becomes more ‘embedded’ within the curriculum, Barker explained. ‘In fact, the figures show that there have never been so many computers and interactive whiteboards in UK classrooms. This is in part due to the efficient procurement of resources by many schools as well as a drop in prices of individual units. They may be spending less, but they can get more for their money.’

The research shows that primary school ICT budgets are estimated to decrease by 2.2 per cent in 2009-10, while secondary school budgets indicate a reduction of one per cent, excluding budgets on curriculum software and digital content. This will result in UK-wide budget allocations declining by £9.8 million.

A typical primary school ICT budget is anticipated to be £13,380 in 2010-11, while secondary budgets are set to decrease to £62,970. This represents declines of 4.4 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively. ICT allocations from school budgets are estimated to be around £556 million in 2010-11 – again excluding curriculum software and digital content.

‘Ring-fenced funding for ICT has now ended and schools are making their own purchasing decisions. They will be spending their funds wisely in the light of their own school development needs. This will be reflected at BETT this year, Barker added. ‘This show has grown because educators believe that ICT can make a difference and they need to be brought up-to-date with what is ‘out there’. This year will be no different with expected numbers reaching over 30,000. We don’t want schools to be saving their money ‘just in case’. The funding is available and needs to be spent on the life-chances of young people. If we are to become a competitive economy then education – and technology – will be key.’

‘Another issue the BESA research identified was the reduction of teacher confidence in using ICT.  There was a 10 per cent drop in confidence and competence using ICT in the curriculum from 2007 in primary schools, and an eight per cent reduction in secondary schools.’

The research also found that 59 per cent of primary teachers will receive ICT training in 2009, compared to 67 per cent who expected training in 2008. 55 per cent of secondary teachers will receive training in 2009, compared to 72 per cent in 2007.