Because of the hard work of many, we benefit locally from some exceptional schools. Historically these have been underfunded and I am pleased that the Government's introduction of "Fair Funding" will, overall, help address this. Local secondary schools in particular will secure around 5 per cent additional funding.
This is a once in decades opportunity and it is important to get it right. MPs have had good interaction with local Heads and it was a pleasure to join some of them recently in a substantive meeting with the Schools Minister, one of the means by which Heads, with our support, are making their points direct to the Department of Education.
"Fair Funding" is important and benefits West Sussex. However “Fair Funding” does not mean equal funding. The proposed formula is transparent and is "fair" in that every child with identical characteristics, wherever they are in England, will receive the same funding. There is a "core" element (around 70 per cent of the total) and some extra help for isolated schools but beyond this funds are largely allocated to support pupils that face barriers to success. These include help if they start from a low educational base, speak English as a second language or suffer from economic deprivation. I am yet to meet a Head that doesn't believe these factors should be reflected in school funding. However given the demographics in Horsham this means that overall per pupil funding is likely to be lower here on average than in other parts of the country. This does not mean that standards of education will be worse, far from it.
Our overriding concern locally is ensuring that every school, especially given significant increased costs, secures the funding required. To help guarantee this I want to see a minimum school funding level established, set an the right level. I was pleased that last week Education Secretary Justine Greening, responding to a question I raised, pledged in the Commons that this would be considered as part of the current consultation. This consultation is open until 22nd March. I would urge the many who have taken an interest to take part.
Photo caption: With Headteacher, Miss Bowers and students on a recent visit to Rudgwick Primary School.