Great news for
Northumberland schools as Education Secretary Justine Greening has announced
that schools in the Hexham constituency will see funding rise by an average of
3.3% under a new fairer funding system for schools in England. For years I have
campaigned to bring an end to the historic postcode lottery that has seen huge
differences in funding in different parts of the country, so I am delighted
that Northumberland schools will no longer lose out as every single school in
our area will see their funding increased. Small rural schools in Tynedale will
particularly benefit, with first schools in Greenhead, Otterburn, Slaley, Wark
and West Woodburn seeing their funding rise by more than 10%. The new formula
will provide funding gains for schools with a guaranteed increase in the basic
amount allocated for every pupil; a minimum per pupil funding level for both
secondaries and primaries to target the lowest funded schools; a minimum cash
increase for every school of 1% per pupil by 2019-20 and a £110,000 lump sum
for every school to help with fixed costs, and an additional £26 million to
rural and isolated schools to help them manage their unique challenges. This is
the biggest improvement to the school funding system for decades and I welcome
this announcement which is fantastic news for our area and which will mean that
children in the Hexham constituency get the education that they deserve.
