Department for Education

London, United Kingdom

The Department for Education (DfE) is responsible for child protection, education (compulsory, further and higher education), apprenticeships and wider skills in England.

CCI Score

-6.25

April 18

Latest Event

DfE Funding Allocation Error Sparks Union Backlash

The Department for Education admitted an error in processing forecast pupil numbers, reducing the expected per-pupil funding increase for 2024-25 from 2.7% to 1.9%. This miscalculation could force schools to absorb cuts of around £370 million, prompting headteachers’ unions to demand accountability and reassess the impact on teacher pay and school budgeting.

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COLLABORATOR

Department for Education is currently rated as a Collaborator.

-5 to -9 CCI Score

In this category, companies align with authoritarian practices mainly to avoid trouble or regulatory conflict. Their compliance is driven by self-preservation, resulting in minimal resistance even as they participate in oppressive systems.

Latest Events

OCT

09

2023

DfE Funding Allocation Error Sparks Union Backlash
-16.59

The Department for Education admitted an error in processing forecast pupil numbers, reducing the expected per-pupil funding increase for 2024-25 from 2.7% to 1.9%. This miscalculation could force schools to absorb cuts of around £370 million, prompting headteachers’ unions to demand accountability and reassess the impact on teacher pay and school budgeting.
-20

Public and Political Behavior

March 31

The administrative error and subsequent apology by DfE have undermined public trust and accountability, triggering political scrutiny from unions and parliament, which is critical from an anti-fascist standpoint that values transparency in public institutions.

Heads to question DfE over school funding error
-10

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 31

The mistake in managing crucial school funding allocations reflects a lapse in sound administrative practices, potentially jeopardizing financial planning for schools and teacher pay, even though the department later issued an apology.

Heads to question DfE over school funding error
-30

Economic and Structural Influence

March 31

The error has significant economic implications, with recalculated funding figures potentially leading to a drastic £370 million cut in school budgets. This not only affects financial stability in educational institutions but also empowers union calls for stricter accountability, a key concern in resisting authoritarian tendencies.

Heads to question DfE over school funding error
OCT

09

2023

DfE Funding Calculation Error Disrupts School Budgets
-17.17

The Department for Education acknowledged a technical error in its National Funding Formula calculations for 2024-25 that resulted in an approximate £370 million overestimate, leading to a revision of per-pupil funding increases. The mistake has forced schools, local authorities, and multi‐academy trusts to revisit their financial planning, with union leaders warning of potential broader impacts on budgeting and resource allocation.
-20

Public and Political Behavior

March 31

The error in the funding calculations undermines public accountability and trust in critical government financial management, forcing schools and related bodies to make sudden adjustments. This mismanagement of public resources adversely affects vulnerable communities and education stakeholders.

Everything schools need to know about DfE funding mistake
-20

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 31

This technical error points to lapses in ethical fiscal management within the department. The miscalculation led to inflated funding figures that could force schools into cuts and budget readjustments, negatively impacting educational services and support for marginalized communities.

Everything schools need to know about DfE funding mistake
OCT

07

2023

DfE Acknowledges £370m Funding Calculation Error and Initiates Review
10.53

In October 2023, the Department for Education admitted to a £370 million error in its school funding calculations for 2024-25, which resulted in a lower than initially promised funding uplift for schools. The department has apologized and initiated a formal review of its quality assurance processes to prevent future mistakes.
+10

Public and Political Behavior

March 31

The DfE admitted a significant error and is taking steps to restore accountability by launching a formal review. This public acknowledgment and commitment to improving processes reflect a positive approach in public and political behavior, despite the initial oversight.

Civil servants responsible for £370m school funding blunder 'would be sacked in private sector'
+15

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 31

Despite the serious financial miscalculation impacting school funding, the department accepted responsibility and is actively reforming its internal procedures. This move towards transparent self-correction underscores ethical responsibility in managing public funds.

Civil servants responsible for £370m school funding blunder 'would be sacked in private sector'
OCT

07

2023

DfE Orders Formal Review After Schools Funding Error
34.31

The Department for Education apologized for miscalculating its schools funding for the next academic year and has ordered a formal review of its quality assurance process to ensure similar errors do not occur in the future.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

March 31

The DfE’s public acknowledgment of the funding miscalculation and the immediate ordering of an independent review demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. This proactive measure aligns with anti-authoritarian values by seeking to correct bureaucratic errors that could undermine trust in public institutions and potentially negatively affect marginalized communities through reduced educational support.

Formal review ordered after DfE apologises for schools funding error
OCT

22

2021

DfE Funding Changes Harm Vulnerable Schools
-42.32

A Public Accounts Committee report criticizes the Department for Education for implementing a school funding formula that has disproportionally reduced resources for deprived local areas. The report notes that funding in the most deprived schools fell by 1.2% in real terms while it increased for better-off schools, and highlights delays in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.
-60

Public and Political Behavior

March 31

The report highlights that the DfE’s changes to the school funding system have resulted in a regressive shift in resource allocation, reducing support for vulnerable, deprived schools while benefiting better-off areas. This approach undermines equitable educational opportunities and fails to protect marginalized communities, which is viewed negatively from an anti-fascist perspective.

Deprived local areas and schools ‘hit hardest’ by DfE’s school funding changes - Committees - UK Parliament