A HEADTEACHER has said the recent announcement for a boost in school funding will make a “big difference” but says she will be cautious until the money is in the school’s bank account.

Downing Street said the investment delivers on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s pledge to increase school funding by £4.6 billion above inflation, and is a cash boost totalling more than £14bn for primary and secondary schools nationally over the next three years. It has been announced every secondary school will receive a minimum of £5,000 per pupil next year, and every primary school getting a minimum of £4,000 from 2021/22.

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Hanley Castle High School headteacher Lindsey Cooke said it was a welcome announcement, but was being cautious.

“That will make a big difference to a school like Hanley Castle, especially after nine years of austerity," Mrs Cooke said.

“Teachers have had to penny pinch.

"But £5,000 per pupil would mean at key stage three a reduction in class sizes, and for GCSEs and A levels we would be able to introduce more courses, like engineering.

“However, I will believe it when I see it, when it is the bank account. My worry is also that we would get the money in year one, then the government would change course and we wouldn’t see it in year two or three. It is always difficult to plan from one year to the next.

“And would they cut other parts of our budget? It would be giving with one hand and taking away with the other.”

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County councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education, said: “This announcement is a real testament to the determination of headteachers, governors, schools, parents and the local authority that have continually raised awareness of the need for further funding within education.

"It’s fantastic schools in Worcestershire will now receive some much needed extra funding, but this is only the beginning of what is needed going forward in the long-term."