He said energy costs are “about 1.4, 1.5% of a school's budget” on Times Radio in late May.

“The schools who are out of contract, which are a minority, that 1.4, 1.5% jumps up to maybe 7, 8, 9, 10%, so we're looking very carefully at that,” he added.

He said the spending review settlement had given the Department for Education some “headroom”, so is speaking with headteachers and unions about the issue.

“I'm looking to see how I can help those if they are out of contract, partly to help them get the best deal but also to see where that pressure is really acute, how we can help them,” he said.

Mr Zahawi is also looking at the “cost of food into schools”, as he said school food providers have been “really good” in trying to limit costs with the spike in inflation.

He said he would “look at everything” when considering options to help schools, and use money from the spending review to help with rising food costs.