Holmes Chapel MP praised for role in school funds campaign

Justine Greening MP paid tribute to Mrs Bruce, MP for Congleton, and other Cheshire representatives for their campaign against the previous ‘fairer funding’ proposals.

The initial plans, immediately opposed by Mrs Bruce with support from Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School headteacher Denis Oliver, would have seen schools in east Cheshire become the worst funded in the country.

In the House of Commons, where the final funding formula was set out, Mrs Bruce said: “I thank ministers for meeting senior headteachers from my constituency, and for responding to their principal request, which is that to be truly fair to pupils across the country, and to cover school costs properly, school funding should include a minimum amount per pupil, wherever they live.

“I also thank Ministers for allocating £4,800 per pupil from 2019, which is exactly the amount that my headteachers recommended. Does that not show that this Government are not only listening, but acting?”

Mrs Greening, Secretary of State for Education, said: “We have listened carefully and have had meetings with many members from across the House.

“I pay tribute to my right honourable friend the Minister for School Standards for holding many of those meetings alongside me.

“My honourable friend the member for Congleton and other Cheshire MPs have been tireless campaigners on behalf of their local communities and schools, and I have appreciated the comments, suggestions and proposals.

“They carried weight, which is why they have been reflected in the final funding formula that I have set out today.”

Cllr Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, has cautiously welcomed the funding formula announcement, saying: “I welcome the latest government announcement on school funding. It is important, however, that we look at the detail behind the headlines before we can determine whether fairness for our local schools has been addressed fully.”