Written question asked by John Penrose (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 January 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 30 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

North Somerset

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to increase the average funding per schoolchild in North Somerset to the average level of funding in (a) the West Country and (b) England.

Answer: The level of funding per pupil received through the dedicated schools grant (DSG) reflects the characteristics of children in each authority: authorities receive more funding if they have higher numbers of children living in deprived circumstances. That is because pupils from more deprived backgrounds are likely to have additional educational needs, and to require additional help if they are to have an equal chance to succeed. North Somerset's average level of funding per pupil mainly reflects the authority's lower than average level of deprivation. The Government will review the operation of a number of aspects of the new school funding arrangements, including the DSG distribution, but in doing so it will continue to aim to give all pupils an equal opportunity in life.

Secondary information