HC Deb 20 June 2002 vol 387 c520W
Mr. Bryant

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of UK GDP was spent on(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each of the last three years. [60346]

Mr. Miliband

Data are not recorded to indicate how funding is split between secondary schools and primary schools in the United Kingdom. The following table provides details of the proportion of gross domestic product spent on schools in the United Kingdom in the last three years. Some under fives are educated in primary schools and therefore funding for this group is also shown.

Percentage
1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02
Schools 2.7 2.8 3.0
Under Fives 0.2 0.2 0.3
Total Schools and Under Fives 2.9 3.0 3.3

In England, approximately 46 per cent. of recurrent spending on schools is targeted for funding primary schools and educating the under-fives. Some 44 per cent. is directed into secondary schools and sixth form colleges. The remaining funding supports other services such as school transport, school meals, teacher development and child guidance.

Information on schools spending by the devolved Assemblies is a matter for them and not for my Department.

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