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.
The RAM components include:
- Targeted funding - individual student funding for:
- refugee students
- newly arrived students
- integration funding support
- Equity loadings:
- 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.
Further information
The Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding table 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.