Helen Grant MP

Schooling is a subject which evokes great passion and interest. The Prime Minister has been clear that education is a critical component of her plan to drive up social mobility and many of us also have a personal stake in the system through our sons, daughters, nieces, nephews or grandchildren.

In 2015 I was part of a national campaign which brought people together from across the political divide to highlight the historical injustice which exists in school funding. This is exemplified by the fact that, currently, the 10 best funded areas in the country receive 43% more funding per pupil than the 10 worst funded areas. Kent is amongst the less well funded counties in England.

The campaign was a success and I was delighted that the government recognised the unfair nature of the system. The Department of Education has now published its new proposals and is engaged in a public consultation. I welcome the government’s ambition to introduce a national funding formula and end the outdated postcode lottery.

The plans will have a significant impact in Maidstone and the Weald, with all our school’s budgets affected. Overall, the outlook is positive for my constituency. Our schools will receive an on average 2.5% increase in their budgets and over half of our schools will see their funding increased. Whilst I