More children across Kent will be able to access a world-class education thanks to a major funding boost from the Conservatives.

The Government has confirmed schools in Kent will receive 6% more funding per pupil next year as part of the recent multi-billion investment in primary and secondary education.

Councilor Dan Watkins has welcomed this new funding, saying the commitment that every secondary school pupil will receive a minimum of £5,000 next year and every primary school pupil will receive a minimum of £4,000 by 2021-22 would reassure parents of the Government’s promise to deliver the best for their children.

This funding follows the Prime Minister’s announcement in August that the budget for schools and high needs would be increased by a total of over £14 billion over three years, rising to £52.2 billion by 2022-23. Schools and local authorities have today found out how the first part of that investment - £2.6 billion - will be allocated for the coming year.

The extra money, available from April, will ensure that per-pupil funding for all schools can rise at least in line with inflation and will deliver promised gains in full for areas which have been historically under-funded

Commenting, Councillor Watkins said:

‘Every child in Kent deserves the best possible start in life – regardless of their background or where they live.

‘The 6% per pupil funding boost next year will mean that every school in Kent will receive a significant budget increase, giving teachers, parents and pupils the certainty to plan, and boosting standards in our great local schools.

‘This new funding will also target those schools who need support the most need, making sure that every parent in Kent can be sure their children are receiving a world class education.’