HEADTEACHERS in North Wiltshire have welcomed the announcement that a new school funding formula will be in place by 2017.

Chancellor George Osborne promised to introduce the new system following consultation by the Education Secretary in the New Year, which should mean a rise in per pupil funding for schools in Wiltshire.

Hardenhuish headteacher Jan Hatherell said: "Obviously I am delighted that the Chancellor has committed the government to bring in a fairer funding formula for schools for 2017/18.

"Along with other heads we will be taking a keen interest in the consultation early in 2016, and look forward to a better deal for Wiltshire schools than the current archaic system based on historic spending from a very long time ago."

The current system, which has been criticised by many head teachers, sees the ten best funded areas of England receive an average of £6,300 per pupil of schools block funding, compared to just £4,200 in the ten worst funded areas.

Ian Tucker, headteacher at Abbeyfield School in Chippenham, said: "In essence I am delighted that all those who have been working hard for redistribution of funding have had some joy today.

"I think Wiltshire has for a while now been very much the poor relation and any redistribution of national money can only benefit the students."

A new funding formula will set a national rate that every school will receive for each pupil, with additional funding for those with extra needs.

George Croxford, headteacher of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, said: “Hopefully we will get a fairer slice per pupil and therefore will be able to do more.

“The system is grossly unfair at the moment and completely wrong. Almost whatever they do, it can’t get much worse for us it really should be good news."

Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan, who has campaigned for changes, also welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement.

“I am delighted that the Government has committed to introduce a national funding formula for English schools, ending the postcode lottery that means children in Chippenham lose out for no good reason,” she said.

“As always, the devil will lie in the detail and we will need to see the full detail of the consultation, but in principle this represents a huge step forward and is a decision of lasting significance.

“This almost certainly will mean more funding for local schools enabling them to develop even more engaging curriculums, support good teachers, invest in more resources to support lessons and allow them to spend more on every pupils education.”