RORY WELCOMES £1.3 BILLION BOOST TO NATIONAL SCHOOLS BUDGET

Rory has welcomed the announcement that there will be an additional £1.3 billion dedicated to schools funding over the next two years – helping to create more school places in Penrith and The Border, and more funds for headteachers to continue the important work they do in educating Penrith and The Border’s children.

Rory commented today after the announcement from Education Secretary Justine Greening that the boost to the core schools budget will deliver the biggest improvement to the school funding system for well over a decade.

Rory said: “I am extremely heartened by this news which I am sure that teachers and parents in Penrith and The Border will similarly welcome. This additional funding will mean an increase in the basic amount that every pupil will get, protected funding for those with high needs, and will ensure every local authority is in a position to give schools a cash increase through the new formula. Of course, I recognise that our schools have many complex and varying needs, particularly as we move to continue to raise standards and to give every single child the best possible education and opportunities in life. But this is a very important step forward and testament to the many who have raised this with me, and their campaigning about the issue over the past months. People feel differently about schools and education than they do other things – and rightly so. I am pleased that parents and teachers have been listened to in this way, and look forward to continue working with teachers and parents to ensure I support in any way I can. And I have once again spoken to the Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, to reiterate my personal invitation to him to visit Cumbria and get a flavour of our schools’ concerns.”

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