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State school spending on information and communication technologies (ICT) is likely to decline over the next few years, following year-on-year increases in expenditure since 2001, the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) has forecast.
Research conducted by BESA suggests primary school ICT budgets could decrease by 2.2% in 2009-10, while secondary school budgets are likely to fall by 1%, excluding budgets on curriculum software and digital content. This would result in UK-wide budget allocations declining by £9.8m.
A typical primary school ICT budget is expected to be £13,380 in 2010-11, while secondary budgets are set to decrease to £62,970. This represents declines of 4.4% and 2.7% respectively. ICT allocations from school budgets are estimated to be around £556m in 2010-11, excluding curriculum software and digital content.
Ray Barker, director of BESA, said the indications were "not surprising", because of the many financial pressures facing schools in the current climate.
He added: "Education funding has not been reduced and schools know that they have necessary funds; however during uncertain times, and with pressures to change upon them, schools appear to be treating ICT budgets with caution."
Despite the likelihood of decreased spending, however, Barker said there was an increased desire for ICT equipment, such as laptops and internet access.
BESA’s research was based on a survey of ICT co-ordinators and heads of IT from 770 primary and 572 secondary schools from across the UK, conducted in June 2009. The full report can be obtained via www.besa.org.uk.
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