I am encouraged that the core schools budget has been protected in real terms since 2010 and is set to rise from £41 billion in 2017-18 to over £42 billion in 2019-20 with increasing pupil numbers.
However, the current school funding arrangements are unfair and outdated. They are based on an historic and opaque postcode lottery that is so inconsistent that it can put similar children in similar schools at an unfair education disadvantage. To build a fairer society where success is based on merit, not privilege, it is time for this system to be reformed. I am pleased that the Department for Education remains committed to doing this.
I am encouraged that the Secretary of State has been clear that no school will have its budget cut as a result of the new national funding formula. The Queen's speech set out that ensuring every child has the opportunity to attend a good school, and that all schools are fairly funded, remains a priority.
Continued on PDF...