Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough, was joined by four local secondary school Headteachers in Market Harborough, to meet with Education Secretary, Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP.
Neil was joined by Headteachers from Robert Smyth Academy, Welland Park Academy, the Kibworth School and Leicester Grammar.
During the meeting, Headteachers asked a range of questions on educational matters to Mr Hinds. Questions included assessments, teacher’s workload, school funding and future plans.
Neil said, “It was great to be joined by some of the local secondary Headteachers from Harborough for this important meeting. I know how hard they and their staff work, so it was a good opportunity for them to share their views and ask any questions of the Minister responsible for schools across the country.
As we’ve seen with the new national funding formula, local schools in Harborough will see their overall funding increase at nearly twice the rate of the country, to help ensure we receive our fair share of resources.”
Dan Cleary, Headteacher at Robert Smyth Academy said, "I was really grateful to have the opportunity to discuss local and national educational issues with the Secretary of State for Education. I am fortunate to be able to work alongside other excellent leaders in the local area who are committed to excellence for students; this is a common interest and something which we know Neil O'Brien feels very passionate about as our Member of Parliament.
It is to his credit that he created this opportunity and has demonstrated belief in local leaders as well as a platform to engage in important debates"
According to a new Parliamentary Written Answer received by Mr O’Brien, funding per pupil in the Harborough constituency will rise from over two years from £3,983 per pupil in 2017/18 to £4,215 by 2019/20. This represents a 5.8% increase across the constituency, nearly twice the 3.1% increase planned across England as a whole. Funding for the years after 2020 will be decided in the next Spending Review, expected to start next year.