The Government is seeking views on proposals to introduce a national funding formula for schools.
The consultation sets out plans aiming to deliver a fair, transparent funding system where the amount of funding children attract for their schools is based on need and is consistent across the country.
This is the first of two planned consultations. The first seeks views on:
- the principles that underpin the formula
- the pupil characteristics and school factors included in the formula
Government is also seeking views on the overall funding system, in particular on proposals to:
- introduce a school-level national funding formula where the funding each pupil attracts to their school is determined nationally
- implement the formula from 2017-18, allocating funding to local authorities to distribute for the first 2 years, and then to schools directly from 2019-20
- create a central schools block for local authorities’ ongoing duties
- ensure stability for schools through the minimum funding guarantee and by providing practical help, including a restructuring fund
A parallel consultation is running on proposals to introduce a high needs formula for children and young people with special educational needs.
Closing date is 17 April 2016.