Schools in the UK are set to receive a record £572 million in funding for the 2026-27 academic year to support students who speak English as an additional language (EAL). This reflects a significant increase from £539 million in the previous year, driven by rising immigration rates. Two schools, one in Manchester and another in Northampton, have received substantial amounts, with Manchester Academy leading at over £670,000. Critics, including Chris McGovern of the Campaign for Real Education, argue that while EAL funding is necessary, the educational needs of white working-class children should not be overlooked, as they are reportedly achieving lower academic results. The average funding for EAL pupils stands at approximately £320 per student. The Department for Education (DfE) emphasizes the importance of quality education for all children, stating that schools are best positioned to decide how to allocate their resources effectively. However, concerns persist regarding the integration challenges posed by the growing number of languages spoken in schools, which some educators believe disrupts learning.