Southampton Itchen Labour MP John Denham has welcomed the Government’s announcement of revenue funding for Southampton schools over the next three years.

John Denham said “Education revenue funding rose by £1200 per pupil, in real terms, between 1997 and 2005.  That’s a 37% increase after allowing for inflation.  Between 2005, when the funding began to be given directly to schools, there was a further £299 (7%) rise in real terms.  That’s £1500 more for each pupil compared to the last Conservative government and is in addition to the substantial capital increases for improving and replacing school buildings.

“This year, the guaranteed core funding per pupil in Southampton schools is £3,948 and the Government has announced that this will increase to £4,117 next year, £4,265 in 2009 and £4,441 in 2010.   These figures are above the average for England as a whole and show the Government’s continued commitment to improving education and schools in our area.”

As well as the core funding, schools can also receive additional money for priorities such as Special Educational Needs, extended schools and extending early years entitlement.