There is widespread recognition that the current schools funding system is unfair and out of date. The inconsistencies in funding for individual schools with similar characteristics across the country are far too great. Children with the same needs can receive very different levels of financial support depending on where they go to school. 

Research has shown that the ten best funded areas on average receive grants of £6,300 per pupil this year, compared with an average of just £4,200 per pupil in the ten most poorly funded areas. Schools in Somerset currently only receive £4,343.44 per pupil.

The last government acknowledged the problem, agreeing that the existing system is unjustifiable and unfair. This Government has promised that it will introduce a new national funding formula as quickly as possible. While there have been some positive discussions I now plan on pressing the Government to introduce these changes as soon as possible.

In consultation with head teachers and school governors I will launch a petition across the constituency in Autumn 2015 and presented it in Parliament later in the year.

I am absolutely delighted that in his 2015 Spending Review and Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced his commitment to introducing a new fair funding forumla for schools.

This will set a national rate that every school will receive for each pupil, with additional funding provided for those with extra needs. Crucially, from 2017-18 onwards the resources schools and local authorities receive will be based on pupil characteristics rather than historic calculations. The Department for Education will consult on the specifications of the new formula in early 2016. Of course the devil will be in the detail but please be assured that I will continue to monitor the situation closely, moving forward.