Schools in the North East will benefit from £2.5 billion in funding following a major cash boost for every state school in England.
Primary schools in England are expected to receive approximately £35,000, while secondary schools will receive approximately £200,000 as a result of a £2 billion cash injection for mainstream schools for the next academic year. £479 million will also be pledged to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The additional cash, as a result of the additional autumn statement funding, will increase the region's funding by £68 million for mainstream schools and £19 million for high needs, taking the total funding for North East schools to £2.5 billion for the next academic year. And the first payments are due to be received today.
Schools can choose how to invest the extra funding, however it is primarily expected to support salary uplifts for teachers and teaching assistants and help with increased running costs, school trips and learning materials, the Department for Education (DfE) reports.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: "I am hugely grateful to all our brilliant teachers, school leaders and support staff for all their incredible work and the immeasurable impact they have on the lives of children every day.
"It’s fantastic that schools across the North East have now received new cash, part of £2.5billion for schools in the area, supporting them with everything from staff pay to school trips.
"With school funding set to be at its highest ever level next year, even accounting for inflation, parents everywhere can be confident schools are being supported to let teachers get on and do what they do best - teach."
Changes to the way funding is allocated have also been introduced, which includes the #removal of a requirement for schools to be Ofsted rated good or outstanding in order to be eligible for additional funding to help manage a significant decline in pupil numbers. Schools will need to show that places will be required within five years.
Councils will also be set expectations around the minimum funding they must provide to support schools seeing a significant increase of pupil numbers. Schools with more than one site will also now receive funding on a consistent national basis to go towards the additional costs they face due to the need to duplicate services, like caretaking, across sites.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said: "We are committed to unlocking this country’s potential and education is a vital part of that.
"By delivering record levels of per-pupil funding, and targeting money to support disadvantaged communities, we are giving teachers the tools they need to help children flourish and revving the engine of future prosperity."
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