School budgets set out

Budgets for all grant-aided schools have been confirmed for 2014-2015 after Education Minister John O’Dowd amended the common funding scheme.

The total amount of funding that is directly delegated to schools is to rise by £26.5 million over the course of the financial year.

The consultation on school funding attracted nearly 15,000 responses and O’Dowd reconsidered some of his proposals based on comments from the public.

For example, the majority of the new funds will be directed to the funding stream for primary and nursery schools. The scheme will also allow for additional funding for schools attended by children in care.

Critics had contended that learning difficulties were also present in more prosperous areas and therefore social deprivation should not be the only factor for determining funding.

While no school will experience a net loss of funds under the scheme, some schools will not receive as much money as they were expecting.

“The current Executive budget runs until March 2015, therefore I do not yet know what resources I will have at my disposal in future years,” the Minister said.

“As the Executive works to finalise budgets for 2015-2016, I will continue to work hard to negotiate an increase in funding to help me support schools in the vital work they undertake for our children and young people.”