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ASCL falls into deficit, citing 'severe' pressure on leaders
School funding shortfalls, along with mounting workload and accountability, have increased demand for support, the union’s annual accounts state
The Association of School and College Leaders recorded a deficit of nearly £480,000 last year, saying that more members needed its support due to “severe pressures” on the education system.
The school leaders’ union fell into an in-year deficit of £478,340 last year, down from a £876,486 surplus the previous year, its latest show.
ASCL faced increased operating costs and “heightened demand for support” from members during the year, the accounts state.
This higher demand for support was linked to the pressures affecting schools and colleges, including funding shortfalls, workload, accountability and rising pupil need, the union says.
Investment loss hits ASCL accounts
ASCL’s financial performance was affected by a £239,600 loss on investments in 2025, compared with a £632,868 gain the previous year.
It says this loss was due to “turbulent” markets and “heightened volatility” globally. However, the union claims it took advantage of market uncertainty to “broaden the portfolio’s long-term growth drivers”.
ASCL’s total income increased from £8.6 million in 2024 to £8.9 million in 2025, but its expenditure also rose from £8.3 million to £9.1 million.
Staff costs increased from £5.3 million to £5.9 million, while spending on member support rose from £626,356 to £651,243, according to the accounts.
The union made “deliberate and targeted investments” in areas such as legal support services, policy and marketing activities, professional leadership communities, and digital and commercial strategies, the accounts say.
ASCL’s total reserves were £7.7 million at the end of 2025, down from £8.2 million the previous year. This included a £3 million reserve fund.
Slight rise in membership
The union had 24,948 members at the end of 2025, slightly up from 24,778 in 2024. Membership had peaked at 25,239 in June 2025.
The latest slight decrease was largely due to end-of-term retirements and resignations, ASCL says.
Hayley Dunn, director of finance, IT and governance at ASCL, said: “We are seeing more members in need of our support services as a result of the very severe pressures on the education system in terms of funding shortfalls, consequent restructures, workloads and an accountability regime which is excessive and punitive.
“We are gravely worried about the impact on mental health and wellbeing, and are doing everything we can to support our members.”
Earlier this month, Vlog reported that ASCL was launching a network for academy trust CEOs to “amplify” their voices to government and discuss challenges in a “safe space”.
