Education Secretary gives statement on school funding

Justine Greening has committed to fairer funding for schools but says the new funding formula will be in place in 2018 to 2019, a year later than planned.

In a written parliamentary statement, she wrote: “Given the importance of consulting widely and fully with the sector and getting implementation right, the new system will apply from 2018 to 2019.

“In the meantime, I understand the need for local authorities to have sufficient information to begin to plan their schools and high needs funding arrangements for 2017 to 2018. Many of those who responded to the first stage national funding formula consultations emphasised that schools and local authorities need stability, and where there are changes need early notice, as well as a fair system.

In that context, I am confirming that in 2017 to 2018 no local authority will see a reduction from their 2016 to 2017 funding (adjusted to reflect authorities’ most recent spending patterns) on the schools block of the dedicated schools grant (per pupil funding) or the high needs block (cash amount).”