‘Not enough money’: secondary school heads warn MPs of budget woes

Energy costs, staff pay rises and inflation have left schools unable to pay for repairs, mental health services and trips

Secondary school heads across England are warning MPs of cuts to mental health provision, school trips and essential building repairs because rising costs and energy bills are wrecking their budgets.

Ahead of the government's autumn statement on 17 November, headteachers are telling local MPs and councillors about their struggles to adjust their budgets to cover unexpected costs of hundreds of thousands of pounds in higher pay and bills.