Richmond Council has officially welcomed a boost in Government funding for schools.

Education Secretary Justine Greening announced this week an additional £1.3 billion would be provided for schools over the next two years.

Ms Greening also announced plans for a new funding formula to retain overall ‘real term’ per pupil funding.

Richmond Council leader, councillor Paul Hodgins, welcomed the ‘fairer funding system’ but asked for reassurance that careful attention would be paid to special educational needs support and clarity over future funding proposals for new schools.

He said: “Schools and education is one of this council’s number one priorities. Over the past three years we have invested over £80m to meet the rising demand for school places.

“We have improved and expanded many school buildings enabling an additional 5,000 primary school places. We are funding the rebuilding of our special schools and extended parental choice by introducing sixth forms to our secondary schools.

“As part of this commitment, earlier this year we wrote to the Government regarding our concerns around future school funding and the impact locally.

“And, whilst we are still waiting for the details of the Minister’s recent announcement, I am pleased that the Government has committed to this additional funding and has listened to the Council, local schools and parents.

“In real terms, this funding will hopefully ensure that no school is worse off. This could mean some schools will receive more money.

“However, as part of this detail, we are seeking assurance that this funding is not coming at the expense of other education provision. School funding needs to be fair for all schools, but also fair for all pupils – including those with additional needs.

“I look forward to receiving further details from the Government about these proposals over the next few days and weeks”.