schools budget
Kingston upon Thames Council is addressing a significant overspend in its schools budget, driven by rising high needs costs.
Kingston upon Thames Council's schools budget is forecasting an £11.06m overspend for the 2025/26 financial year, contributing to an accumulated deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant Adjustment Account of £19.33m by March 2026. In December 2025, the council approved measures to address financial issues, as it faces a projected £3.42m overall overspend against its £192.48m budget.
The schools budget overspend is primarily due to pressures within the High Needs Block, which was projected to overspend by £10.76m in October 2025, including a £1.05m contingency. This block's costs are increasing due to a rise in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with a net increase of 87 since March 2025, bringing the total to 2,072.
Key facts
- Kingston upon Thames Council's schools budget is forecasting an £11.06m overspend for the 2025/26 financial year. Source
- The accumulated deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant Adjustment Account is projected to reach £19.33m by 31 March 2026. Source
- In December 2025, Kingston upon Thames Council approved measures to address financial issues. Source
- The High Needs Block was projected to overspend by £10.76m in October 2025. Source
- The total number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Kingston increased to 2,072 by October 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.