WORCESTER'S MP has welcomed the announcement that billions of pounds has been pledged to schools after years of lobbying by county heads and teachers for more money.

Downing Street said the investment delivers on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s pledge to increase school funding by £4.6 billion above inflation, and is a cash boost totalling more than £14bn for primary and secondary schools nationally over the next three years.

School leaders cautiously welcomed the move but warned the “crisis is now” as extra funding is needed as soon as possible.

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It has been announced every secondary school will receive a minimum of £5,000 per pupil next year, and every primary school getting a minimum of £4,000 from 2021/22.

These are close to the figures that the f40 campaign group, which has fought for fairer funding for county's schools for decades, have called for in recent years.

Robin Walker said: “This has been something I have been campaigning for, for a long time.

“It is a major move in the right direction.

“There is levelling, which means a significant uplift for Worcestershire schools.

“The £4,000 for primary pupils and £5,000 per pupil at secondary schools will make a big difference, and is a significant increase in funding.

“We have Fort Royal and Regency in our area - so the news there is a £700 million increase in funding in year one for special needs schools, I know will also make a difference.”

Paul Whiteman, National Association of Head Teachers, said: “As always the devil is in the detail.

“This package represents a large increase in spending per pupil, taking it back to about the same level it was in 2009-10.

“However, a 13-year period of no net growth in school spending per pupil, after inflation, still represents a significant squeeze on school budgets when considered in historical terms.”

When asked about the criticism that the funding would restore school funding per pupil to what it was back in 2010, Mr Walker said that in fact the funding had gone up since 2010, arguing it was “a significant uplift above inflation”.

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After the announcement was made on Saturday Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, said: “I warmly welcome this multi billion funding announcement that will make a big difference to many Worcestershire schools."

And Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, added: “Welcome campaign success for our excellent schools in Worcestershire”