Reacting to the statement made by Secretary of State Chris Heaton – Harris, Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools calls for a review of the current funding formula.
“Given the current deficit within the education sector, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) has significant concerns in relation to the proposed cuts made by Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris in the recent budget statement.
Funding for education has fallen steadily over the past decade, the impact of this has been catastrophic for schools, staff and ultimately the long-term outcomes of our children and young people.
The allocation of funds based on current methods from an ever-constricting block grant, is no longer effective and is in urgent need of review to reflect the cost per child incurred by schools.
Substantive change is needed to ensure that every child is adequately funded to achieve their full potential. Tough and courageous decisions are now required to provide a sustainable funding system which will benefit not only the children and young people of today but elevate the opportunities for future generations.”