Calls for extra education funding in York

Cllr Stuart Rawlings has called on the government to make extra funding available for education in York, claiming its funding levels are disproportionately low.

Rawlings, City of York’s Conservative executive member for education, says that York gets just £4,000 per pupil, which is around half the funding of other parts of the country.

Reforms to school funding was scheduled to be introduced by 2017/18, but Education Secretary Justine Greening pushed back plans when she took over the role in July, saying they would not be implemented until 2018/19.

As a result of this delay, Rawlings has joined pleas for interim funding for 2017/18 to ensure pupils do not suffer and staff numbers can be maintained.

Rawlings said: “The delay in the new funding process is extremely disappointing and we will also be making representations to government for additional interim funding.

“The level of commitment from pupils, teachers and support staff continues to produce excellent results at both GCSE and A-level, helping to give York one of the best educated workforces in the North.

“Just think what we could achieve given a more level playing field.”