I am aware that both Torquay Girls Grammar School (TGGS) and Torquay Boys Grammar School (TBGS) have asked parents to write to me about the funding formula that is currently being consulted on by the Government. You can read a detailed briefing produced by the House of Commons Library on the proposed new formula by following the link below:
http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN06702
Alongside the consultation documents, the Department for Education (DFE) has published tables of figures illustrating potential impacts for schools and local authorities. The DFE is stating that these are not actual allocations for schools in any particular year and are for illustrative purposes only to inform the consultation.
I welcome the fact that many primary schools across the bay and Paignton Academy could see a rise in their funding to meet the needs they are serving. Yet it is concerning to see other schools including TBGS, TGGS, Torquay Academy and two primary academies serving some of our most deprived communities having a cut proposed despite being, like all Torbay Schools, some of the lowest funded nationally per pupil for many years. This is also a surprising outcome given the proposed formula would result in increased funding overall for Torbay’s Schools.
I understand from speaking with colleagues in parliament that Torbay’s Grammar Schools are not unique in their plight given the areas many of them serve. I believe this will make the DFE more open to suggestions about how to resolve this, although as mentioned above it is worth stating that the amounts are indicative and the formula is still being consulted on.
I am pleased to say that on Wednesday I have arranged a meeting at the DFE with the Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, and Mr Lawrence from TBGS has already confirmed he can attend with me. The purpose of it will be to discuss the formula that has been proposed and what changes we would suggest to deal with these reductions, without looking to remove the needed increases many Torbay Primary Schools and Paignton Academy will see in their funding under the new formula.