Wiltshire schools to receive funding from government grant

Money will be allocated to primary and secondary schools nationwide

Schools across Wiltshire will receive a cash boost of around £129m in the next two years.

The government is providing an extra £2bn to schools nationwide, with around £129m going into Wiltshire schools.

A typical primary school will receive an extra £35,000, and a typical secondary school will receive around £200,000.

MP Justin Tomlinson said: "It is absolutely essential our local schools get more funding."

Schools can make the decision on how to use the funding, but it is expected to help with increased running costs, school trips, learning materials and support salary uplifts.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said around £129m will be going to Wiltshire schools and added he understands the pressure schools are under with rising energy costs, teacher pay increases and inflation.

Mr Gibb told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "We want to ensure schools are funded properly to help pay teachers properly and to help with recruitment and retention, this is all important issues that were are grappling with."

The cash injection also includes money to find the government's 4.5% pay offer for teachers next year, alongside a one-off payment of £1,000.

Nationally, pupil premium funding rates will also be increased with the remainder of the £2bn, which are rising by 5% in the 2023/2024 academic year.

Pupil premium funding for schools is based partly on the number of children who are currently, or have been, eligible for free school meals.

Mr Tomlinson added: "I am particularly pleased we continue to put more money into the pupil premium to target support to the most disadvantaged schools.

"I will continue to work with our fantastic local schools to raise concerns and ensure they get the support they need."

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: "I am hugely grateful to all our brilliant teachers, school leaders and support staff for all their incredible work and the immeasurable impact they have on the lives of children every day."

including North Swindon schools, who will get £2.9m of the pot.