This morning Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, met with the Schools Minister Nick Gibb to demand changes to the Government’s proposed new schools funding formula.

Ms Kendall secured the meeting, which was also attended by Kevin Lacey, the Head Teacher of Barley Croft Primary School, after writing to the Education Secretary Justine Greening and raising the issue several times in Parliament.

Under the Government’s proposals nine schools in Leicester West would have their funding cut by over £230,000 this year and up to £390,000 if the full new funding formula goes ahead.

The six primary schools in Leicester West that would have their funding cut are Barley Croft, Parks Primary, Braunstone Community Primary, Slater, Woodstock and Queensmead. The three secondary schools affected are Beaumont Leys, Fullhurst and new College.

Ms Kendall said

“It makes no sense at all to cut money for schools in the most deprived parts of our city.

“If young people don’t get the skills and qualifications they need, they will find it even harder to find work in an economy that is so unforgiving of those without skills. This harms their life chances and the future prosperity of our country.

“I have asked the Minister to think again about these plans and ensure all children get the opportunities they need and deserve.”

Kevin Lacey said “It was important to meet the Minister and set out the very local implications of these proposals and the impact they will have on schools.

“We are a good school with high levels of need and the Government needs to understand the challenging circumstances we face.”