13th Report - Improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged children
Select Committee
Public Accounts Committee
HC 365
7 March 2025
Government response
Treasury minutes: Government response to the Committee of Public Accounts on the Thirteenth report from Session 2024-25 · published 16 May 2025
Recommendations & Conclusions
2 results
5
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Provide greater clarity on supporting schools to make effective evidence-based funding decisions.
Conclusion
The Department supports schools in making effective local decisions, but there remains variability in practice, performance and how schools use evidence. The Department provides support to schools and other providers to help them effectively target their funding for disadvantaged children. …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlined its existing support for evidence-based decisions through the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and its promotion of EEF evidence. It committed to continuing to monitor how schools use evidence and working with the EEF to consider how to improve schools' capability in using the pupil premium effectively.
HM Treasury
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20
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Department acknowledges schools may divert disadvantage funding but relies on accountability for good choices.
Conclusion
The Department told us that schools valued the freedom to choose how they managed their budgets but said this did not mean a lack of accountability for spending. It described understanding that schools, particularly poorer performers, may divert funding for …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation and the department is reviewing options to improve reporting arrangements for the pupil premium grant, including potential digital solutions by Academic Year 2027-28.
HM Treasury
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