MORE schools have raised concerns about funding in their annual accounts.

As reported earlier this month, many multi-academy trusts have cited funding difficulties as a key concern.

Most trusts submitted their 2019 accounts to Companies House this month, which are published online.

That of the Anthem Trust, which runs schools including Oxford Spires Academy and Abbey Woods Academy in Berinsfield, came out on Wednesday.

The document said: "Anthem schools, as are all schools in the UK, are facing increasing financial pressures.

"Revenue funding...is not increasing in line with salary and pension costs."

READ AGAIN: Financial accounts reveal school cutbacks to cope with funding

It raised concerns with the government policy of allocating funding based on the pupil count from the previous academic year.

This, it said, could lead to a shortfall for schools that had experienced significant growth.

River Learning Trust, which runs more than 20 schools including The Cherwell School in Summertown, released its financial report last week.

It said: "Funding per pupil did not keep pace with inflation, particularly with the increases in teacher pay.

"While the latest funding announcements are welcome, there is still a significant deficit in funding following many years of under-investment.

"However, the trust has taken steps to address those challenges and is...trying to find savings without impacting the quality of education."

Faringdon Academy of Schools, which runs several schools in and near the town, also cited an 'extremely challenging financial climate' and said the new national funding formula 'does not provide the necessary uplift to meet our rising staff costs'.