Today, schools across the country are set to find out how they will benefit from the government’s recent multi-billion pound investment in primary and secondary education.
To mark the occasion, local MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid visited Crown Meadow First School in Alvechurch to answer questions from their students and meet the Headteacher.
In September’s Spending Round, Sajid stood before the Commons to announce that the Conservatives were increasing school spending by £7.1 billion by 2022-23 compared to this year – a investment worth a total of £14 billion over the next three years, and the largest cash boost in a generation.
This means that across the country, every school will receive more money for every child. Secondary schools will be able to receive a minimum of £5,000 per pupil next year, with primary schools receiving a minimum of £4,000 from 2021-22.
This is particularly good news for schools in Worcestershire, who will be receiving on average 4.6% more per pupil next year - a total of £17.7m of additional funding with even more expected in subsequent years.
Crown Meadow First School were told by that they would see an 8.5% increase in pupil-led funding compared with last year - a cash boost of £131,513.
The announcement isn’t just being celebrated by pupils and their parents - it’s welcome news for teachers too. Additional funding will mean that teacher’s starting salaries can rise to £30,000 by 2022-23, so that more of the best graduates are encouraged to turn their talent to teaching.
It’s also good news for 16 to 19-year-olds, who are receiving a funding boost of £400m – the biggest injection of new money into 16-19 education in a single year since 2010.
This includes £25 million for T-levels - new qualifications rolling out in September 2020 which will transform vocational education with courses in subjects such as digital production and onsite construction.
Commenting on the announcement, Sajid said:
“I know from experience that a good school and inspirational teachers are the most effective engine for social mobility there is.
That’s why education and skills are at the very heart of the Government’s vision for local and national renewal.
“I’m delighted to announce that following my Spending Round last month, schools in Worcestershire will be receiving a funding boost of £17.7m next year. That means that every single one of our schools will be receiving more money to be spent on each of their students.
“When our children succeed, our community succeeds. That’s why I want to establish Bromsgrove as a district of educational excellence – so that every child receives the best possible start in life, and is able to reach their full potential.”
