Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that schools receive equitable levels of funding under the national funding formula.

The national funding formula (NFF) will mean that, for the first time, school funding will be distributed based on the specific characteristics of every school and pupil in the country. It is directing money where it is most needed – not accidents of geography or history.

Schools are already benefitting from the gains delivered by the NFF. This year, all schools are attracting an increase of at least 1% per pupil compared to their 2017-18 baselines. Those schools that have been historically underfunded will attract up to 6% more per pupil compared to 2017-18, as we continue to address historic unfairness. Details of the NFF beyond 2019-20 are subject to the next Spending Review.

Local authorities continue to have some flexibility on how this funding is distributed locally, in consultation with schools. Flexibility allows local authorities, in consultation with their schools, to smooth the transition toward the NFF, where this represents a significant change.