Northern schools given £20.4m funding boost

Northern Ireland schools are to receive £20.4m in additional funding during the next financial year, Education minister Martin McGuinness announced today.

Mr McGuinness said the extra cash, which will benefit primary schools in particular, is to be paid directly into each school’s budget for principals and governors to decide how to spend it.

The boost to individual schools is related to enrolment figures, with schools receiving £56 per pupil on average.

Mr McGuinness said: "I know that many primary schools were unhappy with the method of distribution used last year, under which post-primary schools benefited disproportionately.

"The approach used this year gives pupils in all sectors the same funding and recognises the importance of investing in early learning."

The extra cash forms part of the spending plans for 2001/2002 announced by the Executive in December.

It is separate from the amounts made available to schools under the normal LMS funding formula for next year.

Nursery and primary schools are guaranteed a minimum allocation of £5,500 up to a maximum of £20,640.

Post primary schools are assured of a minimum allocation of £25,000 rising to a ceiling of £52,000.

Special schools will receive £110 per pupil with a guaranteed minimum allocation of £5,000.

Speaking during a visit to his old primary school, St Eugene’s in Londonderry, Mr McGuinness added: "I believe the method of distribution is fair and consistent.

"The allocation of £56 per pupil across all schools is much more equitable than the system of school size bands used in previous years.

"In addition, the guaranteed minimum payment ensures that each school will receive a meaningful amount."

Danny Kennedy, chairman of the Stormont Education committee, welcomed the announcement to allow the schools to spend the money as they see fit.

"The Education Committee was concerned that the method of distribution of the additional money made available to schools last year was based on the approach used in England and had not reflected local needs, with the primary sector in particular faring badly," he said.

"I am pleased that the representations made by the committee have resulted in a more satisfactory distribution of the additional funds."