Henry Smith MP has welcomed the confirmation that secondary schools in West Sussex are guaranteed at least £5,000 in per pupil funding, and every primary school at least £3,750 per pupil, thanks to new legislation introduced by the Government.

Local authorities will now be required by law to make sure every school receives these minimum levels of funding for each pupil – a commitment which the Prime Minister pledged to deliver during his first 100 days in office.

Previously, local authorities were not required to allocate the money for schools in this way – with many schools across the country falling below the recommended minimum levels of funding for each pupil. 

This forms part of the Government’s £14 billion funding boost for schools over the next three years – ensuring that all young people receive an excellent education, regardless of where they grow up or go to school.

In August, the Prime Minister announced that the budget for schools and high needs would be increased by £2.6 billion in 2020-21, £4.8 billion in 2021-22 and £7.1 billion in 2022-23 respectively – plus an extra £1.5 billion per year to fund additional pensions costs for teachers.

This legislation guarantees that funding per pupil in West Sussex will increase by 5.55 per cent in 2020-21 to an average of £4,516.94 per pupil.

Henry said;

“Every child should have the chance to succeed in life. This starts with access to a good education, no matter their background or where they live.

“That’s why I’m delighted the Government is boosting school funding by £14 billion over the next three years, and requiring in law that West Sussex County Council deliver minimum per pupil funding levels, ensuring every child can get the education they deserve. 

“This will give every parent confidence that their children are getting the best start in life – one that will allow them to fulfil their potential and prepare them for their future.”

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said;

“Levelling up education is the key to helping every child reach their full potential.

“We’re guaranteeing the minimum level of funding for every pupil in every school so that, with a top class education, our children can go on to become the world’s future innovators, trail blazers and pioneers.

“As we start a new chapter in our history, our younger generations will be front and centre of all that we do.”

The Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, commented;

“We’re giving schools the biggest funding boost in a decade so we can invest in the future talent that will help the next generation and our country thrive outside the EU.

“Putting minimum per pupil funding levels into law for the first time gives schools a cast-iron assurance they will receive the money they need to help every child, wherever they live, unlock all of the fantastic opportunities an excellent education provides.”