CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has welcomed the Government’s announcement that schools in Devon will receive £589 million in education funding for the 2022/23 academic year – a boost of £44 million.

The total extra funding for schools means mainstream schools will receive £41.7 billion in 2022-23, an increase of 5.8 per cent per pupil.

Every primary school will receive at least £4,362 per pupil, and every secondary school at least £5,669 per pupil. 

Across the country, mainstream schools will receive £41.7 billion in 2022-23, an increase of 5.8 per cent per pupil, with every primary school receiving at least £4,362 per pupil, and every secondary school at least £5,669 per pupil.

Of the £4 billion of additional national investment, £1 billion will be dedicated to pupils with special education needs and disabilities – a record 13 per cent increase in funding.

Mr Stride, a long-standing campaigner for fairer funding for Devon’s schools, said: “Stemming back to well before this Government came to office, Devon has been one of the worst-funded education authorities in the country.

"The Government recognised this and increased funding between 2020 and 2022.

"This £44 million boost for the 2022-23 academic year will have a major impact on our children’s education and will help our dedicated teachers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.”

Schools Minister Robin Walker said: “Every pupil, no matter where they grow up or go to school, deserves an excellent education and the chance to fulfil their potential.

"This £4 billion funding boost delivers on the Prime Minister’s commitment to level up school funding – giving significant increases to every pupil in every school.

"This additional investment also represents a significant boost to high needs funding, helping local authorities support pupils with special educational needs, and helping to ensure all young people can thrive and succeed.”