FUNDING is set to rise by more than four per cent for each pupil in Redditch primary schools this year.

In Redditch, the average per pupil funding for primary schools will be £4,509, a 4.2 per cent increase, and £5,404 for secondary school pupils – a 2.9 per cent increase.

All of the town’s middle schools are also seeing increases in their budgets for the upcoming school year.

The increased funding will bring budgets up to levels compared with schools in better off areas like Birmingham.

Teachers will also be getting a pay rise as part of last year’s £14.4 billion commitment made by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to level up schools across the country.

The package of measures confirmed last week will include a further increase of £730 million for children with higher needs, extra money to help schools deal with extra costs incurred owing to the Covid-19 crisis and a national £1 billion package to help pupils catch up after the disruption.

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: “As we all know, Worcestershire’s schools have been underfunded for decades under successive governments. Whilst the old funding formula benefited city schools, county’s like Worcestershire were left behind.

“I believe every child, no matter their background, deserves access to a first-class education. Success in life shouldn’t be a postcode lottery or determined by the circumstances you were born in to.

“I’m pleased we’re addressing these historical injustices by levelling up funding in Redditch. We’re ensuring all children have the very best possible schools and education, enabling them to gain all the knowledge and skills they need for success.”