Having been contacted by many people concerned about funding for our local schools and raised the issue many times with Ministers, I am pleased that £1.3 billion extra is going to be spent on schools nationally under the new National Funding Formula (NFF).
The majority of school funding is based on how many pupils are in each school, otherwise known as ‘pupil-led funding’. This provides a basic amount for each pupil, which increases as they progress through the key stages and is fairer for schools. Many in Pendle are losing out under the old system and I am pleased that the new formula provides cash gains in respect of every school.
The new Funding Formula comes into effect from April 2018 and reflects a manifesto pledge to make school funding fairer. It means that, for the first time, school funding will be distributed based on the individual needs and characteristics of each school. This will direct resources where they are needed most, and improve transparency and predictability for schools. I am pleased that the Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening, has listened to the concerns I and others had about previous school funding proposals and come forward with this better offer.
With the extra funding, this means core funding for the national formula will rise from almost £41 billion in 2017-18 to £42.4 billion in 2018-19 and £43.5 billion in 2019-20. These are substantial increases that will help our schools to provide the high-quality education pupils deserve.
Last week, I again saw for myself some of the innovative and impressive work being done by our local schools and their hardworking teachers. I saw reception class children from Laneshaw Bridge Primary, taking part in activities with some of the residents at Nelson Manor Care Home – a great example of inter-generational collaboration. I attended the Marsden Heights Community College Awards evening to celebrate student’s achievements and get a sneak preview of their production of 'Hairspray'. I also visited St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Barnoldswick to officially open their new amphitheatre. I look forward to continuing to work with Pendle schools, which is certainly one of the best parts of my job.