Open petition: Review & reform the per pupil funding formula to support rural & coastal schools

Created by Mrs Pauline Palmer
Closes on 20 February 2027

Schools in coastal and rural areas often receive less funding because they have fewer pupils. They may be forced to become academies or even close because the funding formula doesn’t cover costs. Therefore, we ask the government to use a different funding method that allows them to function well.

Over 300 secondary schools have less than 500 pupils and are often in coastal and rural areas. The funding formula is designed for secondary schools that have at least a 600 capacity for 11-16 year olds. Therefore, they are at a huge disadvantage. These areas are often disadvantaged areas. All children deserve to attend a school that is properly funded. These schools are often forced to close meaning peer groups then get dispersed to other schools and travel times become unacceptable.

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