REDDITCH schools will stand to gain from increased funding under Government proposals for a fairer National Funding Formula says local MP Karen Lumley.
The plans were outlined by Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening and have been welcomed by Mrs Lumley who has fought for these changes for many years.
“I have consistently campaigned to secure fairer funding for our schools and so I am pleased to see the Secretary of State plans for a fairer, thoughtful and justified approach to the National Funding Formula,” said Mrs Lumley.
The proposals, which have cross party support, aim to reduce the funding disparity between different geographical areas, making sure all pupils have the same opportunities available to them. Worcestershire schools have historically been among the worst funded in the UK.
“For too long schools in my constituency have been short-changed. As the Secretary of State, many parents can’t understand why their children are getting a raw deal based on where they are, and neither can I,” added Mrs Lumley.
“In the past we have seen the farcical situation that schools just over the border in Birmingham receive over £1,000 more in funding per pupil, so I’m pleased to see that schools facing the same challenges will no longer be victim to a postcode lottery. This fairer funding formula will make sure funding goes to the neediest schools and is absolutely the right thing to do.”
Schools and stakeholders now have time to consult on these proposals, with a final decision being made before summer 2017 for implementation in the academic year 2018/19.
