More children across Essex, including Alex Burghart's Brentwood and Ongar constituency will be able to access a world-class education thanks to a major funding boost.

The Conservative Government has confirmed schools in Essex will receive 4.88% more funding per pupil next year as part of the recent multi-billion investment in primary and secondary education.

Alex has welcomed this new funding: "I've met with all the secondary school heads and most of the primary school headteachers in my constituency in the last year, and funding for schools is always part of the conversation we have. The information they have given me has enabled me to make strong representations to the Department for Education about funding needs. The commitment that every secondary school pupil will receive a minimum of £5,000 next year and every primary school pupil will receive a minimum of £4,000 by 2021-22 will reassure parents of the Government’s promise to deliver the best for their children."

This funding follows the Prime Minister’s announcement in August that the budget for schools and high needs would be increased by a total of over £14 billion over three years, rising to £52.2 billion by 2022-23. Schools and local authorities have now found out how the first part of that investment - £2.6 billion - will be allocated for the coming year.

The extra money, available from April, will ensure that per-pupil funding for all schools can rise at least in line with inflation and will deliver promised gains in full for areas which have been historically under-funded

Commenting, Alex said:

"Every child in every school in my Brentwood and Ongar constituency  deserves the best possible start in life – regardless of their background or where they live.

"The 4.88% per pupil funding boost next year will mean that every school will receive a budget increase, giving teachers, parents and pupils the certainty to plan, and supercharging standards in our schools.

"This new funding will also target those schools who need support the most need, making sure that every parent in Brentwood and Ongar can be sure their children are getting a world class education. I look forward to hearing how the money has helped children in our education system when I continue to visit our local schools as part of my constituency work."  

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact Alex Burghart MP on 020 7219 1613