Worcestershire schools have missed out on an estimated £270 million in funding

Cllr Dan Boatright-Greene has taken the case for fairer funding for Worcestershire schools to Parliament this week.

Dan, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, SEND and Skills, attended an f40 event in Parliament. MPs were invited to meet representatives from local authorities that receive some of the lowest levels of education funding in England.

The f40 campaign is calling for fairer funding for schools and for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It says that funding differences between local authorities mean some schools receive thousands of pounds less per pupil than others.

Dan 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 £270 million since 2013/14. This year alone, the shortfall is estimated at £22 million.

“And this isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet. It can mean music lessons being cut back or lost altogether, while science and music teachers are asked to do more with less. Those opportunities matter. Every child should have the chance to discover what they’re good at, whether that’s in a science lab, in a music room or somewhere else entirely.

“You can only squeeze so much out of a school budget before something has to give. It shouldn’t be our children’s opportunities.”

The f40 campaign argues that the national funding formula needs to be made fairer, with more investment in schools and better support for children with SEND.

Dan added:

“The Government needs to stop expecting Worcestershire schools to keep doing more with less. We need fair funding, proper investment and a system that gives every young person the education and opportunities they deserve.”

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