THE GOVERNMENT’S £14billion increase in education funding between now and 2022/23 has been welcomed by Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston and Worcestershire County Council, writes Ben Workman.
Worcestershire has previously been considered underfunded compared to other areas, such as Birmingham, but this boost – touted as a record investment in England’s schools – will see secondary schools across the county receive a minimum of £5,000-per-student and primary schools £4,000.
The increased funding will see the Department for Education increase teacher’s starting salaries to a minimum of £30,000-a-year from 2022.
An additional £400 million to be spent on further education and sixth-form which coincides with an additional £700million to support school children with Special and Education Needs (SEND).
Mr Huddleston said: “I am very pleased to hear that every child in Worcestershire is set to benefit from the cash boost.
“I especially welcome the additional funding which will go to support those with special educational needs and disabilities.”
Coun Marcus Hart said that the increased funding was a testament to the determination of the headteachers, governors, schools and teachers in the region but added there was still much more work to be done.
“This funding will really help us to continue the positive progress the SEND improvement plan has made since its launch and help us to ensure all children are happy, healthy and safe.”
The council is still waiting to receive further details on the exact funding position for Worcestershire.
Chancellor of the Exchequer and Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid, who holds the nation’s purse strings, said he was especially delighted to announce the biggest funding increase to 16 to 19-year-old education funding since 2010.
He added: “This is a sector giving young people vital skills.”
