Schools across county to benefit from funding boost

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SCHOOLS across Bromsgrove are set to benefit from a share of a £4million boost in funding.

The Government has increased the money given to schools for disadvantaged pupils from £600 to £900 from April.

In total, the pupil premium will be worth over £12.5million to Worcestershire’s schools - an increase of about £4.2million.

According to figures from the Department of Education, 1,906 schoolchildren in Bromsgrove are eligible for the pupil premium, which is worth £1,715,400.

Estimates show among the highest would be Waseley Hills High Academy, which would receive £123,300, North Bromsgrove High School which would be given £121,500, South Bromsgrove High School which would get £118,800 and Charford First School which would receive £101,700.

The final amount each school will receive will not be known until later in the year.

Coun Jane Potter, reponsible for education and skills on Worcestershire County Council, said the money was welcome but would not hide the fact the county’s schools were among the worst funded in the country.

Worcestershire’s schools receive £1,088 per pupil less than those in Birmingham and £482 less than the national average.

“This will provide extra funding for those schools with pupils from deprived backgrounds and will be used to narrow the attainment gap between these pupils and those from more affluent families,” she said.

“However it should be recognised, despite this good news, Worcestershire still receives comparatively low funding levels compared to its neighbouring counties and we will continue to lobby for more funding for schools in Worcestershire.”

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