Schools expected to continue investing in IT

Schools will continue to invest in IT despite budget cuts

Despite government funding cuts for ICT in education, schools appear to be remaining positive in their outlook, according to a recent survey.

The British Educational Suppliers Association’s (BESA) 2010 survey of 1,379 UK schools (812 primary, 567 secondary) found that 58 per cent of primary schools and 51 per cent of secondary schools felt they were likely to maintain planned ICT investments for 2011-12.

The research also revealed that 71 per cent of primary schools and 70 per cent of secondary schools felt that they provided teachers with good access to computer equipment for curriculum purposes.

Some 88 per cent of primary schools felt that they provided good internet access levels to teachers.

In 2006, 75 per cent held the same view, with just 30 per cent in 2001.

“The BESA ICT in UK State Schools research indicates that after year-on-year increases in ICT budgets since 2001, we are now naturally experiencing a reduction in estimated ICT allocations from school budgets,” said Ray Barker, director of BESA.

“However, despite financial pressures faced by schools, the survey indicates they are managing the cuts sensibly and with optimism. This is in part due to the efficient procurement of resources by many schools as well as a drop in prices of individual units. They may be spending less, but they can get more for their money.”