Cheshire Education News

Earlier this month, three Cheshire MPs and a number of primary and secondary school heads from across the region met to discuss progress in school results and the on-going financial pressures facing Cheshire schools, including the continuing funding gap between urban and rural schools.

In 2018/19 and 2019/20, total funding will rise by £10.7 million in Cheshire West and Chester (up 5.5% compared to 2017/18) and £10.4 million in Cheshire East (up 5.2% compared to 2017/18).

Under the National Funding Formula, Cheshire West and Chester is allocated £4,009 per primary pupil and £5,034 per secondary pupil. In Cheshire East, the figures are £3,863 per primary school and £4,931 per secondary pupil. By comparison, the national average is £4,155 per primary pupil and £5,403 per secondary pupil.

As at December 2018, in Cheshire West and Chester, 96% of children now attend schools rated good or outstanding, compared to 67% in 2010. In Cheshire East the figure is 87%, compared to 73% in 2010. This represents an excellent performance by the schools. The MPs noted however that there was still an imbalance in funding between our area and some other areas in the country and assured the school heads that they would continue to make representations to continue to improve funding.

NB Tattenhall Online has no party political stance. This article is reported to provide information on the position of our local schools.