THE gap between funding of primary and secondary schools narrowed significantly during the 1990s.
Secondary schools have traditionally been funded at a higher level than primaries, although the large difference was criticised by the education select committee in 1994.
In 1990-91, secondary schools spent an average of pound;680 per pupil more than their primary counterparts. By 1998-99, this ad fallen to pound;568. Between 1990 and 1999, annual spending per pupil by primary schools rose by 41 per cent to pound;1,882. Over the same period spending by secondary schools rose by just 21 per cent to pound;2,450.
The figures were released in reply to a question by Nigel Jones (Lib Dem, Cheltenham). They indicate that the gap has narrowed at a similar rate under both Labour and the Tories.
