AN INCREASING number of state-run schools in Bracknell Forest are spending more than they receive in funding, new figures reveal.

The National Education Union has warned that insufficient funding means schools across the country are struggling to make ends meet.

Department for Education data shows six of the 31 local authority-run schools in Bracknell Forest (19per cent) finished the last financial year in deficit.

This means their budget was not enough to cover all their costs during 2018-19.

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In 2013-14, one out of the 38 schools (3per cent) that were then controlled by the local authority finished the year with a deficit.

Across England, the proportion of schools in deficit has risen from just 6per cent in 2013-14 to 10per cent last year.

More than 28per cent of secondary schools are now spending more than their budget, up from 11per cent five years ago.

The figures exclude academies, which are government-funded but are not overseen by the local authority.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, said it was "disturbing" so many schools are in deteriorating financial positions, given many had already made deep cuts.

He said: "Throughout the election we warned that, under Conservative plans, schools will have £2 billion less spending power in 2020-21 than they did in 2015-16.

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"The stark reality of this is that even with additional money coming in from April 2020, the vast majority of schools will still be struggling to live within their means.

"Government funding has simply not kept pace with inflation, nor the increase in pupil numbers, so what they now offer is completely insufficient to lift all schools out of financial jeopardy."

Local authority-maintained schools in deficit in Bracknell Forest overspent by a combined £764,141 during the year – an average of £127,357 each.

That's up from £69,890 each on average in 2017-18.

The average deficit across England increased from £152,250 to £169,520 over the same period.

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Natalie Perera, executive director and head of research at the think tank Education Policy Institute, said school balances were a key indicator of financial health – and that the figures were "not particularly positive".

She added: "The Government's new funding boost for schools may improve the picture in the long-term – but it's important to note that this additional investment merely returns school funding to levels seen in 2009-10.

"In the more immediate term, many schools in England will continue to feel a squeeze on resources."

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "This Government has announced the biggest funding boost for schools in a decade, giving every school more money for every child.

"This means that every school in the country can see per pupil funding rise in line with inflation next year, with all secondary schools receiving a minimum of £5,000 per pupil.”