Huge gap in school funding

Information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows that some schools are being given thousands of pounds more a year to spend on classes than others in the same area.While some headteachers are struggling to buy books and paper, others splash out on plasma screens and laptops.

After requesting figures, the Express & Star can now reveal to parents exactly how much councils give to each school, on a per-pupil basis.

It shows a "have and have-not" system in which schools in deprived areas are given extra funding to the detriment of others just a few miles away.

A confused funding system used by education authorities leave some schools with around £4,000 less per pupil than others.

It means some schools are forced to turn to parents to ask for extra funding for basic classroom equipment.

Wolverhampton headteacher Julie Urquhart said her school, Christ Church CofE Junior, in Tettenhall Wood, is receiving one of the lowest amounts per pupil - £2,483.

She said: "We find it difficult to fund any extras other than basics. I'm shocked about the size of the gap."

One Dudley primary school teacher, who asked not to be named, said she was hoping to make Christmas cards with her six-year-old pupils - but would have to buy the card herself.

Factors which the council use to decide how much money a school receives include the age of pupils, the amount of funding a school receives from the Learning and Skills Council, the number of youngsters with special educational needs, social deprivation in the area surrounding the school and facilities at the school.

Gill Richards, headteacher of Barnfields Primary School, Landsdowne Way, Stafford, which is receiving £2,298 per pupil, said: "We do receive less funding than some schools but I don't feel that the children suffer in any way because of it."

But Bilston C of E Primary headteacher Alan Hughes said he knows his school benefits because of the area it is in. It is one of the best funded schools in Wolverhampton with £3,847 per pupil. He said: "I cannot complain."

Richard Mason, headteacher at Milking Bank Primary School, Dudley, said because the school is based on a good estate it doesn't receive as much money. The school receives £2,589 per pupil.

The figures show that the average amount primary, first and junior schools in Staffordshire receive is £2,598 per pupil. This figure is £2,864 in Dudley, £2,840 in Walsall, £2,849 in Sandwell and £2,931 in Wolverhampton.

For secondary schools the average figure in Staffordshire is £3,349 per pupil. In Sandwell it is £3,709, in Walsall it is £3,573 in Dudley it is £3,576 and in Wolverhampton it is £3,870.