School funding is a really important issue, so ensuring our children have the best possible education with the necessary facilities and good teachers is essential for parents and a key objective of mine.
It is encouraging that the Government shares this passion – we are ending the historic postcode lottery that created huge differences in funding between similar schools in different parts of the country. I am encouraged by the £1.3 billion boost for core school funding, meaning school funding will rise from almost £41 billion to £42.4 billion in 2018/19 and £43.5 billion by 2019/20. This comes as we transition to a national funding formula, and I welcome the fact that the new formula will maintain overall per pupil funding in real terms for the next two years.
Across North Warwickshire and Bedworth as a whole, funding is projected to rise by 3%.
Minster of State for Education Nick Gibb has stated that this investment will increase the basic funding that every pupil in every school will attract.
Furthermore this funding will:
· Introduce a minimum per pupil funding level so that, under the national funding formula, all secondary schools will attract at least £4,800 per pupil in 2019-20 (£4,600 in 2018-19), and all primary schools will attract at least £3,500 in 2019-20 (£3,300 in 2018-19);
· Provide for a minimum cash increase in respect of every school of 0.5% per pupil in 2018-19 and 1% by 2019-20, compared to their baselines;
· Provide up to 3% gains per pupil in 2018-19 and a further 3% in 2019-20 for under-funded schools. The minimum per-pupil funding level will not be subject to this gains cap, and so will deliver faster gains in respect of the very lowest funded schools
The current school funding arrangements are unfair and outdated. They are based on an historic and opaque postcode lottery that is so inconsistent that it can put similar children in similar schools at an unfair education disadvantage. These historic reforms to the funding system will balance fairness and stability for schools. It will also build on the rising school standards delivered since 2010.
Increased spending is only part of the story, there are now 1.9 million more children being taught in schools rated good or outstanding than in 2010. 87 per cent of children are taught in good or outstanding schools, compared to 66 per cent seven years ago. This is helping to ensure that every child will receive a good education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential.