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Resource Allocation Model

Through the School Budget Allocation Report (SBAR), the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) delivers budget allocations to each NSW public school based on school context and student needs. The model recognises that each school is unique, and that student and school needs are not all the same.

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.

A picture of a triangle separated into 3 layers, Targeted funding at the top, Equity loadings in the middle and Base school allocations at the bottom. The triangle is also split down the middle. The RAM loadings on the left side of the triangle the and needs-based funding on the right side of the triangle. RAM loadings Targeted funding. Nil Equity loadings. Socio-economic background, Aboriginal background, English language proficiency and Low level adjustment for disability. Base school allocations. Professional learning, Location and Per Capita. Needs-based funding Targeted funding. Refugee student support, New arrivals Program, Integration funding support. Equity loadings. Socio-economic background, Aboriginal background, English language proficiency and Low level adjustment for disability. Base school allocations. Location. A picture of a triangle separated into 3 layers, Targeted funding at the top, Equity loadings in the middle and Base school allocations at the bottom. The triangle is also split down the middle. The RAM loadings on the left side of the triangle the and needs-based funding on the right side of the triangle. RAM loadings Targeted funding. Nil Equity loadings. Socio-economic background, Aboriginal background, English language proficiency and Low level adjustment for disability. Base school allocations. Professional learning, Location and Per Capita. Needs-based funding Targeted funding. Refugee student support, New arrivals Program, Integration funding support. Equity loadings. Socio-economic background, Aboriginal background, English language proficiency and Low level adjustment for disability. Base school allocations. Location.
Image: The RAM consists of 3 components.

The RAM components include:

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.

Further information

The Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding tableExternal link shows the total funding for the 7 RAM loadings for each NSW public school.

Department staff can find more Strategic Schools Resourcing information on our intranet.

Category:

  • Finance and accounting

Business Unit:

  • Finance
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