HARLOW schools are set to benefit from £84,707,965 as part of the Department for Education’s provisional School Funding Update for 2023/24, an initiative that will help schools plan for their future needs claims Harlow MP Robert Halfon.

Robert Halfon said: “This announcement comes as part of a nationwide commitment to spending £56.8 billion on school funding by 2024/25, a £7 billion cash increase compared with 2021-22.  The investment seeks to build on the Government’s ambition to deliver a world class education for every child, regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances.

“These measures will also include greater targeting for disadvantaged pupils through the national funding formula. Over 9% of the formula will be allocated through deprivation factors, which will help schools close attainment gaps and level up educational opportunities. Support for children with the most severe special educational needs and disabilities will increase by a further £570 million in 2023-24 – on top of the £2.6 billion increase over the last three years. All local authorities will receive at least a 5% increase per head of their 2-18 population, compared to their 2022-23 allocations.  

He continued: “As MP for Harlow and Chair of the Education Committee, I believe firmly in ensuring our schools in Harlow, and across the country, have the resources they need.

“The additional funding announced will go a long way to provide educational opportunities for every child. The increase for children with special educational needs is very important and builds on the recommendations included in the Education Committee’s Report on Special Educational Needs. Parents and children have to wade through a treacle of unkind bureaucracy to get the help they need and I hope that this funding, as well as the Government’s response to the SEND Review provides just that.

 “Teachers and school staff in Harlow and throughout the UK have made heroic efforts to keep our children learning over the pandemic and I believe this new investment will help enable them to continue giving every child a high-quality education.

“Harlow is going from strength to strength.  Today’s funding comes on top of a number of Harlow school building upgrades announced only a couple of months ago through the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund, and additional funding received from the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.  I will continue to campaign in Parliament for more support to transform our schools and ensure that every child has a chance to climb the ladder of opportunity.”

We will be reaching out to Harlow heads for their response.