The RAM uses data recognising the characteristics of schools and students to deliver allocations through a base and loadings approach. The base allocation provides funding for the core cost of educating each student and operating a school, including site specific and initiative allocations. Needs-based equity loadings and targeted funding are provided in addition to the base allocation to support additional student needs.

School budget allocations are provided annually through the SBAR. Schools receive their SBAR in Term 4, showing their budget allocations for the following year. SBAR allocations are updated in the SBAR Adjustments in late Term 1 or early Term 2.

The RAM and the SBAR

The components of the RAM can be seen in the diagram below. The 7 RAM loadings are shown on the left, and these typically don’t change between the SBAR and the SBAR Adjustments. Needs-based funding allocations are shown on the right. Five of the RAM loadings are also needs-based funding allocations.

The RAM components include:

• Targeted funding - individual student funding for:
  • refugee students
  • newly arrived students
  • integration funding support
• Equity loadings:
  • Socio-economic background
  • Aboriginal background
  • English language proficiency
  • Low level adjustment for disability
• Base school allocation:
  • staffing
  • operational funding, including:
    • initiative funding, including professional learning
    • location
    • per capita
  • site specific allocations.

SBAR allocations supports school leaders to achieve the strategic directions in their School Excellence Plan (SEP) and improve student outcomes.

SBAR allocations must be used in the calendar year for which they are provided.