Funding for information communication technology (ICT) investment by schools will reach an all-time high in 2014, a recent survey has revealed.
The British Educational Suppliers Association’s (BESA) findings come from the 16th annual survey into the opinions and trends of ‘ICT in UK State Schools’. The research, carried out in conjunction with the National Education Research Panel (NERP) provides analysis into the likely provision of ICT in UK state schools in the next year and gives extensive insight into investment based on current Government funding.
The survey of 1,238 UK schools (731 primary, 507 secondary) which was conducted in July 2013 found that in the school year 2014/15 schools forecast their ICT expenditure will be higher in cash terms than at any other time on record. Investment in hardware replacement, peripherals, software and technical support will reach £14,220 per primary school and £65,570 in each secondary school.
The previous highest estimate of technology expenditure was in 2008/9 when allocations averaged around £14,000 in primary schools and £65,400 in secondary schools. This totalled an expenditure on ICT across all UK maintained schools of approximately £320 million. From 2009/10, average ICT budgets across all schools fell year on year until 2012/13 when secondary maintained schools indicated a 1.8 per cent rise in technology expenditure.
The increase in secondary school ICT budgets in particular, is expected to continue into 2014 by a significant 11 per cent. Budgets may increase in secondary schools alone to more than £280m.
Caroline Wright, director, BESA explains, “This is good news for schools and technology suppliers. When we take into account the reduction in the cost of technology, this significant increase in expenditure will result in higher increase in investment in real terms. UK schools have led the world in embedding technology into the learning environment and our schools now have the experience to invest wisely to optimise the value of this technology.”
~ends~
About BESA
BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association, is the trade association representing over 300 educational suppliers in the UK, including manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital-content related services to the education market.
With 80 years of experience, BESA offers unparalleled support, research, events and advice on both UK and International markets, and the future of the education supplies industry. BESA is focused on promoting and providing support and advice to their members, the industry and to schools.
BESA has a Code of Practice to which all members must adhere, along with a stringent membership process, both of which assure buyers of a high standard of quality in both product and customer service.
For more information, please visit www.besa.org.uk.
For further press information contact:
Sue Murray
Mango Marketing
T: 01932 829 077
E: sue.murray@mangomarketing.com
For information from BESA contact:
Caroline Wright
BESA
T: 020 7537 4997
