West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed a huge end-of-term bonus for local schools which will see annual budgets rise by over four per cent - an increase of nearly £2.5 million next year.

And teachers will also be getting a pay rise as part of last year’s £14.4 billion commitment made by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to level up schools across the country.

Funding for each pupil is being increased meaning that primary schools will get a minimum of £4,000 and secondary schools will receive at least £5,150. Schools are getting as much a 13.6 per cent increases next year to bring their budgets up to levels compared with schools in better off areas like Birmingham.

The fairer funding pledge has been part of Harriett’s long-term commitment to local parents and the three-year deal will see school budgets rise well above inflation.

The package of measures confirmed today will include a further increase of £730 million for children with higher needs, extra money to help schools deal with extra costs incurred owing to the Covid-19 crisis and a national £1 billion package to help pupils catch up after the disruption.

Harriett commented: “Fairer school funding has been a long-standing campaign of mine and I have been a strong voice for parents and teachers as we work towards redressing the historical imbalanced suffered by Worcestershire schools.

“The was a key election pledge and I am pleased that, as schools break for their summer holidays, they will know that the Government continues to back teachers to do a great job giving our young children the best possible start in life.

“I’m glad to see the positive action on teachers’ pay. Many teachers have had a very difficult time in recent months helping key workers to be able to stay helping us all out during this global pandemic.

“Most schools in the county have stayed open throughout this coronavirus crisis and it is important that the Government ensures pupils are supported to make up for lost teaching time.

“As well as returning fully in September, schools will be able to access tutoring support funds and I firmly hope that local pupils will be able to catch up quickly.”