HC Deb 04 December 2002 vol 395 c824W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much the Government allocates to educate a child aged 11 to 16 years in the(a) Tamworth and (b) Sutton Coldfield constituencies. [84178]

Mr. Miliband

In 2002–03, Staffordshire's average funding per pupil aged 11–15 is £3,440, and for Birmingham it is £4,230. We do not identify separately the amounts for individual constituencies. The reason for the difference is the higher levels of deprivation in Birmingham as a whole. Funding is distributed to schools and children through local education authorities' own funding formulae: these formulae can be a significant cause of the differences in funding between similar schools in neighbouring authorities, since they often do not take enough account of the needs of deprived children. We have issued guidance to LEAs about their use of deprivation funding in order to persuade them to target funding for deprivation at those children and schools that most need it.

Note:

Figures in cash terms for pupils aged 11 to 15 (secondary school pupils)—rounded to nearest 10. The figures include the Education SSA plus Grants.