Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
Councils are managing education and skills funding following the Education and Skills Funding Agency's dissolution in March 2025.
Haringey Council decided in January 2026 that its schools will face a 0% funding increase for the 2026-27 academic year, adopting a new model aligned with the Department for Education's National Funding Formula. This decision, approved by Councillor Zena Brabazon, means core per-pupil funding will not increase, despite an overall rise in the Dedicated Schools Grant due to additional grants.
Merton Council approved a new adult learning contract in November 2025, investing an estimated £795,000 annually for five years into its Merton Adult Learning service. This decision, made at a Cabinet meeting, delegated authority to the Executive Director for Children Lifelong Learning and Families, in consultation with Councillor Sally Kenny, to award the contract.
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), an executive agency of the Department for Education responsible for funding education and skills in England, dissolved on 31 March 2025. Councils are now managing funding arrangements that were previously overseen or influenced by the agency.
Key facts
- Haringey schools will face a 0% funding increase for the 2026-27 academic year. Source
- Haringey Council's Dedicated Schools Grant allocation increased by £6.754 million due to additional grants. Source
- Merton Council approved a new adult learning contract on 24 November 2025. Source
- The Merton adult learning contract is estimated at £795,000 per annum over five years. Source
- Merton's new adult learning contract will be for three years, with an option to extend for two years. 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.