From my first few weeks as MP for Horsham I was determined to do my best to support education in the constituency. Nationally huge progress has been made over recent years and nearly 4 out of 5 schools are now rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted. I know from my time as a school governor the level of foreboding that Ofsted inspections create and this level of success is a great achievement. Within the constituency our “Good” and “Outstanding” ratings are an even higher percentage. These results are down to the hard work of students, teachers and Heads and they are secured despite the fact that local funding is £200 lower per pupil than the national average.
As I have written here before the formula which delivers this funding settlement to West Sussex is archaic and unfair. Lobbying not just the Department for Education but the Prime Minister and Treasury has resulted in a major success – the Formula is being reviewed and a consultation will be launched imminently.
My West Sussex MP colleagues and I are determined however to keep up the pressure.
We were joined this week by local Head Teachers and West Sussex County Council to press the case direct to the Minister for Education, Sam Gyimah MP.
We reinforced to the Minister why a new Formula is necessary and highlighted what was needed for areas such as West Sussex to ensure fairness. We also highlighted our request for “interim” funding. The new Formula will increase education spending in West Sussex. However we want to secure a “bridge” to the new funding to help our schools through the next couple of years.
Having already secured a success we are making a tough ask of the Government in difficult financial circumstances. However there is an extremely good case, which came over well in the meeting. The Minister listened carefully to the Head Teachers and MPs; working with our Heads and the County we will continue to push hard for the best possible result.