WORCESTERSHIRE schools have missed out on an estimated £270 million in funding over the past 13 years, the county’s education chief has claimed.
Dan Boatright-Greene, cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council, says the figure is based on comparing funding for the county’s schools with the national average since 2013/14.
He said the funding gap stands at £22m this year alone.
Cllr Boatright-Greene raised the issue in Parliament this week at an event organised by the f40 campaign.
KEYBOARD: Cllr Boatright-Greene said funding pressures meant schools cutting down on opportunities for pupils such as music lessons (Image: Graham Oliver/PA)
The group represents some of the lowest-funded education authorities in England and is campaigning for changes to the way money is distributed to schools and children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Cllr Boatright-Greene said: “Worcestershire’s teachers and school staff work miracles with the money they have. But miracles only get you so far when the funding doesn’t add up.
“Based on comparisons with the national average, Worcestershire schools have missed out on an estimated £270m since 2013/14. This year alone, the shortfall is estimated at £22 million.”
He said funding pressures could mean schools cutting back opportunities including music lessons while teachers were expected to do more with less.
Cllr Boatright-Greene added: “You can only squeeze so much out of a school budget before something has to give. It shouldn’t be our children’s opportunities.”
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The f40 campaign argues differences in funding between local authority areas can leave some schools receiving thousands of pounds less per pupil than others.
It is calling for what it describes as a fairer national funding formula alongside greater investment in schools and support for children with SEND.
“The Government needs to stop expecting Worcestershire schools to keep doing more with less,” said Cllr Boatright-Greene.
“We need fair funding, proper investment and a system that gives every young person the education and opportunities they deserve.”
The Department for Education has been asked for comment.
