The Government has announced plans to give fairer funding to Dorset & Poole schools.
Historic reforms that will bring an end to the unfairness facing local schools has been announced today by the Secretary of State. Mid Dorset & North Poole MP, Michael Tomlinson, has been campaigning on this issue and welcomes the latest step towards fairer funding.
A consultation has been launched on plans to create a single national funding formula that will remove many geographical anomalies and instead focus on the needs of pupils. Pupils with similar needs would get similar levels of funding, something that local schools have not been receiving under the current system. Dorset and Poole schools have consistently been ranked at the bottom of funding league tables and local MPs have been fighting to have this situation rectified.
Michael Tomlinson, a Patron of the Fairer Funding Campaign, said: “This is another step along the road to fairer funding for our schools, I was delighted that the Government announced a fairer funding formula and I am pleased that they have continued their work towards a more equitable system. This will make a genuine difference to our local schools and will ensure a better deal for Dorset, our schools and our children.”
The planned changes will see a new formula introduced from 2017-2018. Michael is encouraging all schools to participate in the consultation process.