IT HAS been revealed that schools in South Gloucestershire are the third most poorly funded in the country.

Analysis carried out by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has shown that South Gloucestershire schools receive over £2,000 less per pupil than the average for the 10 best funded authorities.

For a typical secondary school of 920 students, this equates to a budget of £5.8 million in the best-funded areas and £3.9 million in the most poorly funded – a difference of £1.9 million which is enough to pay the totals costs of 40 additional teachers.

ASCL deputy general secretary Malcolm Trobe said: “School funding is a postcode lottery. In many areas, schools receive inadequate funding because of a historic grant system that does not work.

“Instead of reforming the system, successive governments have tinkered with it and failed to fully resolve the problem.

“It means that many schools must struggle with resources which are simply not sufficient for the job they are expected to do.

“It is not fair on them, and it is not fair on students and their families.

“It is no way to run an education system that everybody wants to be the best in the world.”

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council said: “It has been repeatedly acknowledged by central government that the current distribution of school funding is unfair. As a low funded authority, South Gloucestershire Council are strongly of the view that the basic needs requirement of all pupils should be met and that this should be the minimum that a school receives.

“The additional funding of £7.8m for Schools in South Gloucestershire is a step towards achieving this and is a very positive and welcomed development.

“Schools in South Gloucestershire will receive all of this additional funding, which will go towards paying for teachers, support staff and curriculum materials.

“Additional funding will enable plans to continue to improve educational provision and outcomes in South Gloucestershire. This will ensure that all children and young people have every opportunity to achieve their full potential and thrive in their community.”