This blog was written by Emma Wagner, Co-Chair of Send My Friend to School
New analysis from Save the Children shows the devastating impact the new UK aid cuts could have on global education. In 2027, the UK government plans to cut its ODA budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI. This could see at least a 73% cut in real terms in its funding to education from 2019 levels, leading to an estimated 2.2 million fewer children in school and learning.[i] At a time of increased effects of the climate crisis and conflict, alongside geopolitical instability, now is not the time for the UK to scale back its development and humanitarian support.
The Send My Friend to School coalition (the UK coalition of NGOs and teacher unions working with Parliamentarians and UK school children to influence the UK Government’s approach to global education), has launched its new two-year campaign – Invest In My Friends’ Learning. The campaign calls for a reversal of the UK aid cuts and action to reprioritise global education within the UK’s development agenda – see the policy report.
Refocusing on global education is a strategic move for the UK. It aligns with the UK Government’s ambitions of fostering modern partnerships, driving economic growth and conflict prevention and resolution.
The UK’s deprioritisation of education in UK ODA over the last decade
Once a global leader in education aid, UK ODA (Overseas Development Assistance) to the issue has plummeted in priority from 13.5% in 2013 to just 3.5% in 2023.[ii] Previous UK funding cuts have disproportionately hit education, with the most vulnerable bearing the brunt. This has included countries with some of the lowest learning levels, and deep cuts to priority areas for UK Ministers, such as girls’ education, disability inclusive education and foundational literacy and numeracy.
Any further cuts to the ODA budget in 2027, must ensure that education is protected from shouldering the burden again – especially as needs remain so high. 251 million children globally are out of school and 70% of children in low- and middle-income countries (rising to 89% in Sub-Saharan Africa) are currently unable to demonstrate proficient reading and understanding of basic texts by age 10. The number of children without basic skills is estimated to be costing the global economy $10 trillion per year.
The UK must play its part. With key replenishments approaching for the two multilateral funds for education, Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait, it is imperative that UK funding is available for strong, multi-year pledges.
Impact of the UKs’ previous aid cuts in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, UK aid cuts in 2023/2024 to basic services had far-reaching consequences. It is estimated reduced funding resulted in 41,700 teachers and school leaders missing out on training, which could have improved the quality of education for generations of students. Access to learning for 330,000 children, half of whom are girls, was abruptly stopped. For an additional 16,000 children in crisis situations, these cuts removed not just education, but the stability and protection that school provides in times of emergency
It’s not all about aid – the UK’s soft power and influence with others
If the UK Government does cut the ODA budget for education, then it must use its leadership to influence international tax and debt reform, so that low-and-middle income countries can better invest in their education systems. Domestic public resources are the most sustainable source of education financing.
From the Transforming Education Summit Call to Action on Educational Investment to the Bridgetown Initiative and the UN Framework Convention on Tax, global momentum is growing behind progressive tax reform, addressing debt and the revision of the international finance system. This system currently neither represents the voices and needs of the majority of the world’s population nor responds to today’s major challenges.
Every year $30 billion is lost in tax by 27 low-income and 36 lower-middle income countries through tax havens used by corporations and the super-rich. These countries have 41 million children out of primary school. If these countries did not lose this money every year and instead spent 20% of that extra tax on education, nearly 20.8 million more children could go to primary school.
The most impactful way the UK can demonstrate its commitment to modern partnerships, global education and building a fairer and more just world is by backing the reforms needed to enable countries to progressively increase their public spending.
Global education reduces poverty, builds peace and grows the international economy
A world free from poverty on a secure and liveable planet is simply not possible without investment in safe, quality, inclusive education.
- Each year of education generates about a 10% increase in earnings overall, and 20% for girls.
- Studies have shown that increased educational opportunities lead to lower rates of violence and political instability.
- Education empowers individuals to address the impacts of the climate crisis and builds skills for resilience as the world changes rapidly around them.
As the UK Government evaluates and plans its approach to its aid cuts over the coming weeks ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review in June – Parliamentarians, NGOs, teacher unions and thousands of UK school children will be strongly urging the government to protect the education budget. The time for clear recommitment and increased financial support is now.
[i] This analysis assumes that the UK keeps its current commitments (including education) and continues to play a key role in the areas the Prime Minister has prioritised (health, climate, oPt, Sudan and Ukraine), that in donor refugee costs remain constant, and there would be just £202m remaining for education in 2027 in real terms (2019 prices).
[ii] NOTE: UK bilateral ODA figures include earmarked funding for multilateral spend, including multilateral funds such as the Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait.
