In light of the growing financial pressures schools are
facing it is not surprising that managing budgets will
be a priority for 90% of school leaders over the next
year. Of these, 60% of school leaders saw it as a major
priority. This is growing in importance year on year. In
2014 it was 55% and 40% the year before with all the
indications suggesting this upward curve will continue in
future years.
Getting priorities straight
60Managing a reduced
or stagnant budget 54Improving exam
results
53Implementing
curriculum/
qualification
changes
44Improving
the quality
of teaching 38
Preparing for
inspection 27Demonstrating
capacity to
improve
Q: To what extent is each of the following likely to
be a major priority over the next 12 months? (%)
5%
10%
0%
20%
15%
17%
10%
9%
7%
Personal job
security
New
building/
capital
projects
Strengthening
governance
arrangements
Joining/
becoming a
Teaching School
Alliance
17%
5%
3%
Creating or
expanding a
school group
Joining
a formal
school group
Changing
terms and
conditions
24Staff
restructuring
Page 6 | school leaders survey 2015
Improving exam results and implementing curriculum
and qualification changes were also named as priority
areas by more than 90% of school leaders, with 54%
and 53% respectively saying they were major priorities.
These figures are likely to reflect the high-stakes
culture of the exam system for both students and
schools.