Eastern Devon MP demands fairer funding for local schools

Richard Foord – the MP for Honiton & Sidmouth - has urged an education minister to provide fairer funding for local schools.

Devon is an f40 authority—one of the 40 lowest-funded areas in England. The so called ‘national funding formula’ was supposed to level the playing field, but it has left schools in areas like Devon short-changed.

In a Parliamentary debate on Tuesday 6 May, Mr Foord drew to the attention of the Schools Minister that Devon’s education funding is not where it should be, when compared with urban areas. Mr Foord called for a review of the ‘national funding formula’ for education, which advantages deprived urban areas over rural areas, despite rural areas still having pockets of deprivation.

“Devon is one of the worst-funded education authorities in the country. For 2024-25, Devon receives just £5,484 per pupil—about £200 less than the national average and about £1,500 less per pupil than in inner London.

“I have experienced the difference through the eyes of the teachers I have talked to in Devon who have taught in both inner London and rural Devon - and who described to me the difference the funding makes. For an average Devon primary school, it equates to losing the budget for one whole teacher.”

Replying to the contributions of Richard Foord and other Liberal Democrat MPs, the Minister for Schools Standards, Catherine McKinnell, said:
“I can confirm that for 2026-27 we are reviewing the national funding formula.

“I have listened very carefully to what has been said today, because we recognise the importance of establishing a fair funding system that directs funding to where it is most needed.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Foord said:
“I was pleased to hear the Government concede that there should be a review of the funding formula for schools. Ahead of that change to the formula in 2026, I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues will do all we can to lobby for an outcome that is more favourable to all pupils in Devon than the one that we have now.”