The Conservatives have proposed significant school budget cuts.

These cuts could result in school closures and staff reductions due to a projected decrease in pupil numbers.

A £3.5bn or 6% real-terms fall in total school spending is expected.

Impacts could include reduced provision for special educational needs, lower teacher pay, and deferred school repairs.

School mergers and closures are anticipated to be common in the next parliament, irrespective of the election outcome.

The policy presents a financial risk as fixed costs for schools may not decrease proportionately with the falling pupil numbers.

The Conservatives defend their plan, claiming it will boost school funding to the highest level ever per pupil.

Critics argue that per-pupil funding levels need improvement to ensure a sustainable education system.