Dr Neil Hudson MP welcomed news that schools across Penrith and The Border received their first payments this week as part of over £2 million in extra funding this year and next.
Representing a £2 billion package nationally, the extra funding will deliver the highest real terms spending per pupil in history by 2024-25. A typical primary school will receive approximately an extra £35,000 and a typical secondary school will receive an extra £200,000.
This is delivering on the Conservative Government's commitment to provide a world class education and deliver opportunity for all - wherever they come from and whatever their background.
In total the schools budget will be £58.8 billion in 2024–2025, with the Conservative Government putting more funding into schools than ever before and school funding is set to rise faster than forecast inflation in both 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Schools received their first payment by 10 May 2023 and will be able to choose how best to invest the extra funding, including to pay for teacher salary uplifts and teaching assistants. The remainder of the £2 billion will be used to increase Pupil Premium funding rates, which are rising by five per cent in 2023–24.
The Education Secretary’s 4.5 per cent pay offer for teachers next year, alongside a £1,000 one off payment, is fully funded when combined with the additional £620 million of funding provided as part of that offer.
The Conservative Government is investing record amounts to deliver a world-class education, giving pupils the education, they need to succeed as it delivers on its five priorities: halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut the waiting lists and stop the boats.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
"Our Conservative Government is committed to equality of opportunity and to providing a world class education for all our brilliant young folk.
"£2,043,276 is a mammoth amount for Penrith and The Border and will further help young people reach their full potential. This is the highest real-terms spend on schools in history and I'm proud to support it.
"It has been an exceptional privilege to meet so many bright youngsters in my role as their Member of Parliament and from fighting for fair post-16 transport to clamping down on youth vaping, I am absolutely prioritising their futures."
Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan added:
“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 Penrith and The Border have now received new cash, part of £2,043,276 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.”
For more information on the announcement and Dr Hudson's engagement with local schools, visit:
