Schools national funding formula

Overview

We are seeking views on proposals to introduce a national funding formula for schools.

The consultation sets out how we plan to deliver a fair, transparent funding system where the amount of funding children attract for their schools is based on need and is consistent across the country.

This is the first of 2 planned consultations. At this stage we are seeking views on:

• the principles that underpin the formula
• the pupil characteristics and school factors we include in the formula

We are also seeking views on the overall funding system, in particular on our proposals to:

• introduce a school-level national funding formula where the funding each pupil attracts to their school is determined nationally
• implement the formula from 2017-18, allocating funding to local authorities to distribute for the first 2 years, and then to schools directly from 2019-20
• create a central schools block for local authorities’ ongoing duties
• ensure stability for schools through the minimum funding guarantee and by providing practical help, including a restructuring fund

We set out in the case for change why we think the current funding system is unfair. You can also read more about how the current funding system operates.

We are consulting in parallel on proposals to introduce a high needs formula for children and young people with special educational needs.

See also:

• stage 2 of the consultation on the schools national funding formula
• stage 2 of the consultation on the high needs funding formula