Small schools funding questioned

A new policy is needed to determine which small schools are needed, according to an independent review of the common funding formula. The review, chaired by former principal Sir Robert Salisbury, was commissioned last June by Education Minister John O’Dowd as he was not satisfied that the formula was adequate for raising standards and targeting social need.

It recommends that “strategically important small schools” should be identified and receive dedicated support. Schools with “significant concentrations of disadvantage” should attract more funding.

Other recommendations include a review of transport policy, the standardisation of financial information for all school and board areas, rapid intervention when schools fail to meet targets, and ensuring that post-16 schools offer as many subjects as possible on one site.

It adds that the balance between primary and post-primary funding “should be kept under review.”

Of the 839 primary schools in Northern Ireland, 136 have fewer than 100 pupils and eleven have fewer than 50. School closures are politically sensitive but the education budget is facing serious pressure. Mainstream school funding will fall from £1.87 billion in 2010-2011 to £1.83 billion in 2014-2015, with the effect of cuts increased by inflation.

“Given the budget settlement the Executive was presented with, it is more important than ever to ensure we derive maximum benefit from the resources at our disposal,” Education Minister John O’Dowd stated. “I will wish to consider the findings of the report in detail over the coming weeks before making decisions on the way ahead.”