West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin’s campaign to secure better funding for rural schools took another step forward today as the Government confirmed the announcement of a national funding formula. Worcestershire schools have historically suffered from a poor funding deal compared to metropolitan neighbours and Harriett has consistently spoken up in Westminster to secure a new deal for rural schools. Education secretary Nicky Morgan today announced the details on the new national funding formula which will run from September 2017. Harriett commented: “The local funding formula has been the cause of much concern amongst both parents and teachers locally and one of my election pledges was to continue to work towards redressing this historic imbalance. “Local schools are doing an amazing job with nine out of ten secondary schools rated as good or excellent. “Budgeting is a significant challenge for local headteachers and I hope that from next year, their task will be a little easier, but certainly fairer. “The consultation announced today is the first step towards getting a better deal for local schools and I know this news will be welcomed by families across the county.”