Schools in Sutton are expected to receive millions of pounds more in 2015/16, the Government has proposed after issuing a consultation paper on the matter.
Sutton is in line for the extra money after being identified as among the least fairly funded local authorities in the country.
Based on current pupil numbers, Sutton’s schools may receive an extra £7.9 million each year as a result of the changes; a rise of 6.4%.The additional funding may be allocated in April 2015, for the 2015/16 financial year. The Consultation ends on 30th April, 2014
Making the announcement to MPs , Schools Minister David Laws said:
“For too long the school funding system has been based on historical data that was out of date and no longer reflected pupils’ needs. This has resulted in a system that is opaque, overly complex, and is frankly unfair to pupils, parents and teachers.
“Sometimes similar schools just miles apart can be funded at very different levels, just because they happen to be in different local authority areas.
“In other cases, schools with many disadvantaged pupils can end up being funded at a level well below a nearby school in an affluent catchment.”
Councillor David Callaghan, Chair of Children, Family and Education Committee said:
“It is good news for our Borough that the Government is consulting on the way it distributes school funding. If this means Sutton is granted more money for our schools then that will be very good news and we will ensure it is well spent.”
Under the new minimum allocation, Sutton’s funding would increase by 6.4% to £4,637 per pupil. In total, 60 authorities stand to gain as a result of the changes. The £350m reforms are being funded by money from the Government’s Schools Budget and the Treasury.
Councillor David Callaghan, Chair of Children, Family and Education Committee said:
“It is good news for our Borough that the Government is consulting on the way it distributes school funding. If this means Sutton is granted more money for our schools then that will be very good news and we will ensure it is well spent.”
Under the new minimum allocation, Sutton’s funding would increase by 6.4% to £4,637 per pupil. In total, 60 authorities stand to gain as a result of the changes. The £350m reforms are being funded by money from the Government’s Schools Budget and the Treasury.