The government is set to publish a schools white paper on Monday outlining plans to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their wealthier peers in England. The proposals include changing the criteria for funding allocation to better support the most disadvantaged students.
Currently, disadvantage funding is based on the number of pupils receiving free school meals, which is available to families with an annual income below £7,400. Labour intends to overhaul the funding formula to give greater weight to family income, potentially shifting away from the annual pupil premium payments.
The white paper also includes controversial measures allowing local authorities to administer groups of schools through multi-academy trusts and setting new minimum expectations for parental engagement. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the reforms as a 'golden opportunity' to break the link between background and success.
However, critics question the effectiveness without guaranteed funding increases. The Liberal Democrats' Munira Wilson warned that basing funding solely on income could entrench regional inequalities, while Pepe Di'Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders stressed the need for additional investment rather than redistributing the existing £8 billion pot.
The white paper also introduces two new programmes, Mission North East and Mission Coastal, inspired by the London Challenge, to improve outcomes for deprived pupils. Additionally, a radical overhaul of the special educational needs (Send) system is planned, including individual support plans for every child with Send.
