H&F Council vows to fight plans to slash school funding

Government plans could see cuts of at least 10 per cent hit schools in Hammersmith & Fulham.

Government plans for a National Funding Formula for schools could see cuts of at least 10 per cent hit schools in Hammersmith & Fulham, one of the highest figures in England. The cuts could threaten jobs, hit the range of subjects taught, and even damage the long-term viability of some schools.

“The imposition of the National Funding Formula on Hammersmith & Fulham’s schools would cause huge problems for teachers, parents and pupils,” said Cllr Sue Macmillan, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education.

“Figures provided by the group lobbying for changes to school funding show the large scale of the proposed cuts to spending, which would pile pressure on schools already struggling with teacher recruitment and ever-increasing overheads. This is why the council is determined to stand with teachers and parents and fight the plans.”

“I have already written to all headteachers in our borough to share details of the Government’s proposals, asking what a 10 per cent cut to their funding from Government would mean. They have indicated that cuts on this level could see teaching and support staff roles cut and many subjects discontinued. In the words of one headteacher, the likely cuts “would compound what is already a crisis in our schools”.

“There is also a danger that the hard-won increase in GCSE attainment in the borough, especially amongst our most disadvantaged pupils, would slide backwards, needlessly damaging the life chances of thousands of children,” she added.

Cllr Macmillan has written to the Government’s School’s Minister, Nick Gibb, asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the likely impact of the National Funding Formula.

H&F Council will also make a full and forthright response to Government when an expected consultation launches. The council’s response will be informed by continued engagement with staff and parents to assess the impact that the cuts would have on local schools.

Translate this website