Schools to benefit from additional £21.4 million in funding

The Education Minister has announced that schools across the province will receive an extra £21.4 million on top of their delegated budgets in the next financial year.

The additional funding, which is five per cent more than last year's budgetary allocation, will be spread between every single primary and post primary school in the province.

The additional money to schools over the next year represents in real terms an extra £58 per pupil. The money once dispensed will go directly to the principals, "who are the best people to know where the money is really needed," said a spokesperson for the Department of Education.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 5, Education Minister McGuinness said: “I know from my visits to schools during the year that these additional resources will be warmly welcomed by schools. This year’s allocation, an increase of five per cent on the amount provided last year, will provide schools with a useful top up to their existing budget.”

Of the additional funding, five per cent will be allocated to schools in line with the Government's Targeting Social Need policy. This will be calculated with reference to the numbers of enrolled pupils entitled to free school meals.

The bulk of the money will be distributed to post-primary schools which are guaranteed a minimum allocation of £26,690 and up to a maximum of £55,485.

Nursery and primary schools are guaranteed a minimum allocation of £5,780 and up to a maximum of £21,555.

Special Schools will receive £117 per pupil with a guaranteed minimum allocation of £5,250.

(AMcE)