Mark Whitehead 15 September 2017

National funding formula for schools ‘inadequate’, say head teachers

A new national funding formula for schools has been dismissed as inadequate by Labour and head teachers.

Education secretary Justine Greening told parliament schools would get an increase of 0.5% per pupil from the next school year and a 1% rise from 2019-20, confirming the £1.3bn increase announced in July.

Schools would also be set minimum funding levels including £3,500 per pupil at primary schools and a previously announced minimum of £4,800 per pupil in secondaries.

Cash will go directly to schools from 2020 rather than through a formula decided by local authorities.

Ms Greening told MPs: 'This is an historic reform. It means, for the first time, the resources that the Government is investing in our schools will be distributed according to a formula based on the individual needs and characteristics of every school in the country.'

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 'The additional £1.3bn announced by Justine Greening in July was a step in the right direction.

'But schools have already suffered huge cuts and the additional funding is nowhere near enough to prevent further cuts.'

Labour shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said: 'There is no new money for education at all, and this funding for schools is coming from other cuts to education budgets.

'Only months ago, ministers guaranteed that the healthy pupils fund would be protected – now it is being cut by over 75%, and the education secretary can’t even tell us where else the axe will fall.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Harbour Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£25,614 - £26,847 Per annum
As our Harbour Operative, you will play a key role in promoting the harbour to both visiting and local vessels. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Bridge Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£26,847 - £28,153 pro rata per
The role has a three-week rota which allows for variety and rotation of weekend working, with additional payments for night and weekend work. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

D1 Licensed Minibus Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£25,614 - £26,847 pro rata per annum
If you love working with people and naturally look out for others, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

School Crossing Patrol

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.92 per hour
We are currently looking for a dedicated School Crossing Patrol officer in Great Ayton who wants to make a real difference to their local community. Easingwold, York
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£53,051 to £58,258
We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Lawyer to take on a leadership role within our Litigation and Housing Team. Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner