Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will provide additional funding to schools in the North to help them reach the attainment levels of children in London and the South.

Closing the attainment gap has been a departmental priority underpinning all our education reforms since 2010. Nevertheless, some regional disparities remain. The most recent Key Stage 2 data shows that in London, 65% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics. All other regions scored between 57% and 60%, with the North East being the second highest region after London. Similarly, in last year’s Key Stage 4 results, 57.5% of pupils in London achieved a 5 or above in English and Mathematics (2022). All other regions scored between 46% and 52%.

The Department’s mission to level up education across England, grounded in high standards and expectations for all children, no matter where they live, as set out in the 2022 Schools White Paper.

This year’s school funding for all regions across England will total over £57.7 billion. Factoring in the additional funding for teachers’ pay, as well as funding for both mainstream schools and high needs, this will be £1.8 billion higher in 2024/25 compared with 2023/24. The overall Core School Budget will total over £59.6 billion in 2024/25.

To address regional disparities, the Department has identified 55 Education Investment Areas (EIAs) with the lowest attainment outcomes, 27 of which are in the North. In these areas, we are providing £86 million for Trust Capacity funding, up to £150 million for Connect the Classroom, as well as extra funding for Levelling Up Premium retention payments and to support schools with two or more Requires Improvement inspection reports.

Furthermore, 24 EIAs have been identified as Priority Education Investment Areas, 13 of which are in the North. These areas face low attainment at Key Stage 2 and entrenched disadvantage. They receive additional investment including £42 million of Local Needs Funding, £86 million for Connect the Classroom, and over £2 million for attendance mentoring pilots.