Decision details

To set out the methodology of creating the schools funding formula for 2026-27.

(1)  To follow the formula set out in the report, continuing to follow the National Funding Formula (NFF) and to utilise the factor values provided by the DFE, providing the resources are available.

(2)  Should resources not allow the funding of the formula factors in full, to agree that a proportionate reduction of all allowable factors is made to reduce the allocations to fit the resources available.

(3)  To set the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) at 0% per pupil.

The Local Authority is continuing to mirror the National Funding Formula (NFF) as prescribed by the DFE.  This approach has been followed for several years in line with the desires of both maintained schools and academies.

The approach will ensure that school funding allocations are as close to the NFF as possible so that when the DFE take control of the formula decisions, (DFE plans suggest 2027-28 financial year or later), the schools allocations from local decision making will not be significantly different, thus avoiding turbulence in school budgeting.

There are many options available to allocate funding to schools and the Schools Forum discussed the strategy of following the NFF on several occasions.

As part of that strategy, several options for the allocation of the resources to schools were considered prior to the consultation of schools on the proposals in the report.  Several alternatives were set out in the schools consultation paper.