Schools and local authorities have benefited from a rise of 15 per cent in funding per pupil since Labour came to power, according to figures given by schools minister Estelle Morris to Labour MP Peter Bradley. The figures show that, in real terms, average spending per pupil has risen from pound;2,630 in 19967 to pound;3,020 in 20001.
With plans for an extra pound;140 per pupil from April, miisters will be able to claim a 20 per cent rise per pupil by the next election.
Primary schools have been the biggest beneficiaries: this year they have been allocated pound;430 more per pupil than they were before the last election. By contrast, secondary schools have received a rise of pound;330. Despite this, secondaries still receive pound;650 more per pupil than primary schools.
