School funding proposal to affect poorest pupils the most, research shows

Schools with the highest number of children with free school meals are facing higher cuts in funding per pupil than others.

The government has proposed a new funding formula which is believed to see money spread out more fairly across schools in England.

However, research by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the charity Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) shows that primary schools with more than 40 per cent of children on free school meals will on average lose £473 per pupil.

This is £140 more than the average for primary schools in general.

The analysis of Department for Education (DfE) data also highlighted that secondary schools with more than 40 percent on free school meals will have an average loss of £803 per pupil. This is £326 more than the average for secondary schools.

Nine children in every UK class of 30 pupils are living below the poverty line and two-thirds of children living in poverty have at least one working parent, the research suggests.

Kevin Courtney, NUT general secretary, said: “These findings confirm that the government’s proposed funding formula will work for no one unless more money is found.

“Almost every school is going to be worse off in real terms due to government funding policies.

“It is disturbing to find now that the children most in need are in the schools that will be the hardest hit.”

Courtney added: “If children who are growing up in poverty do not receive an education that is well resourced and funded then the government will be seriously threatening their life chances.”