MP slams school funding changes

Ms Lynch claims that a draft of the Government’s new National Funding Formula (NFF) indicates that 24 schools in Calderdale, including four of the five Halifax secondary schools, would lose money.

The NFF is still under consideration by the Government and would come into effect from the 2018/19 school year.

It is intended to address disparities in school funding between different schools and regions.

But research commissioned by Ms Lynch shows while some schools could benefit, others including North Halifax Grammar School and the Crossley Heath School could lose out.

Ms Lynch has now launched a petition after meeting with head teachers and hearing about the impact of the changes.

She said: “I have met with local head teachers who have said in no uncertain terms that they will not be able to provide the same quality of education if these cuts go ahead.

“Although some schools will benefit from these proposals, which is welcome, my petition calls on the Government to ensure that no school loses out.”

Andrew Fisher, head teacher at North Halifax Grammar School, said the changes would have a negative impact on the quality of education the school could offer.

He said: “The Department for Education’s current NFF proposals are not fit for purpose and will make an already dire situation far worse.”

NUT Calderdale spokesman James Wilson added: “The Government needs to reverse their ideological assault on school funding and commit to a real terms increase for our children’s education.”

View the petition at www.hollylynch.org.uk/schools_funding_petition