Responding to today's Spring Statement, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: 

"While there was little in the spring statement on education, school leaders will be anxious to understand what some of the Chancellor’s headline announcements on public finances will mean for schools - including the reduction in day-to-day spending above-inflation in future years and the annual increase in capital funding.

“The Chancellor’s emphasis on how cuts to capital spending under the previous government left school roofs crumbling will raise hopes of desperately-needed further investment in buildings which are no longer fit for purpose.

“School budgets remain under severe pressure after years of under-investment. It will be absolutely vital that they are protected and built upon in the multi-year June spending review, with additional funding urgently needed for core services, supporting children with educational needs, and the school estate.

“Without sustained long-term investment, it will only become more difficult for school leaders to provide the learning experience all pupils deserve.”