Headteacher holds meeting with schools minister

The head of Minster School, Southwell, has met schools minister Nick Gibb to discuss education funding.

Mr Matthew Parris raised concerns about the proposed new government formula, which could come into force next year.

The formula aims to address underfunded schools in parts of the country but some, including Minster School, will see a reduction.

Minster School could face a £166,000 a year funding cut.

“Mr Gibb listened to the points we raised."

Mr Parris said in addition to the cut, the school faced an incremental salary increase exacerbated by the government’s increase in National Insurance contributions.

He said: “It is very important for headteachers at this time to make sure their voices are heard regarding the real concerns over funding for the future.

“Mr Gibb listened to the points we raised and as politician he was certainly attentive.

“We are grateful for his time and the fact we all raised similar concerns.”

Mr Parris said the formula proposal caused deep concern.

Last month he urged parents to oppose the formula change.

An extensive consultation, which asked people to submit their views, ended on March 22.

Mr Parris said the school had already contended with around £125,000 in annual staff cost increases and further increases of £220,000 in pension and National Insurance contributions.

Last year the school made nine redundancies, which meant the average class size in the lower school was 30.

The meeting with Mr Gibb was organised by Southwell MP Mr Robert Jenrick.

Mr John Tomasevic, chief executive of the Nova Education Trust, that operates Toot Hill School, Bingham, the Newark Academy and has permission for a new free school in Newark, also attended.

Mr Jenrick said the new formula would focus on deprived areas and there would be a 0.8% increase in funding for Nottinghamshire if the proposal was approved.