…is still with us, though a welcome email from our MP during the week contained welcome news about funding for the future. The promise is for all schools, not just Bishop’s – one of an increase in the National Funding Formula from £4,800 per Year 7-11 pupil to £5,000, together with a commitment to fund the recent increase in employer’s pension contributions for the next three years. Together this represents an encouraging increase in funds of around 4.5% and, if it comes to fruition, will strengthen our budget considerably. The current political uncertainty does not give grounds for confidence at any level however; growth predictions for UK PLC as we exit (or perhaps don’t exit, or think about exiting) the EU vary considerably, and I worry about therefore whether pre-election commitments will turn into post-poll reality. Time will tell.
So those of us in schools still wait for the dawn to break in the world of education finance. Here in Bishop’s the increase in numbers in the Lower School is helping, but money remains tight and we are continually a year behind as the money follows the boys. That means that the school’s Gift Aid Scheme remains as axiomatic as ever; the simple truth is that for the price of a pint of beer/glass of wine a week our provision for all of our boys can be made absolutely top class. I am immensely grateful to all of our parents who have already enrolled in the scheme; if you have not given it thought so far please do. You can make a difference.
SDS
