LOCAL HEADTEACHERS discussed the Government’s pledge to increase education funding today, with minimum levels of per pupil funding set to increase from £3,500 to £4,000 in primaries over the next two years and from £4,800 to £5,000 in secondary schools next year. Overall, £14billion will be invested including £700million for pupils with Special Education Needs and Disabilities and £400million for further education and sixth form colleges. The starting salary for teachers is also set to rise by up to £6,000 to £30,000 to make the profession more attractive to graduates and the Government has pledged to meet the £4.5billion requirement for teachers’ pensions from outside the education budget so every penny of this additional £14billion will go straight into schools.
Central Devon MP Mel Stride met with Chief Executive Officer of Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust Daryll Chapman, Headteacher of Okehampton Primary School Sarah Godbeer, Headteacher of Hatherleigh Community Primary School Alan Monger, Primary Executive Head Teacher of The Dartmoor Federation Phil Whittley, Chief Executive Officer of Exeter Learning Academy Trust Rachel Shaw and Head of School at Exbourne Primary School Adam Hill.
Speaking after their meeting in Okehampton Mr Stride said:
“Although the disparity in funding between Devon and other education authorities has reduced in recent years our county still remains underfunded compared to other parts of the country. Having visited dozens of local schools and listened very carefully to the head teachers and teachers I met, I know how hard pressed they have been to balance their books. This significant new funding will make a big difference.”
