Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Schools Funding

Monday 22 June 2026 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial funding for schools is increasing by 1.7 billion this year.
  • The Government are rolling out the GB Energy solar programme to around 350 schools and colleges.
  • The Minister offered to meet a constituent to discuss concerns over school funding and expansion plans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Coombes Lab West Bromwich
Education
Context

The core schools budget is increasing by £1.7 billion this year, but the questioner seeks more details on steps being taken to increase funding.

Question

I am concerned about the levels of funding for schools and would like to know what specific steps you are taking with Cabinet colleagues to further increase these funds.

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I am pleased to say that this Government are driving record investment in our schools, with the core schools budget increasing by £1.7 billion this year. That includes funding that allows us to reform the special educational needs and disabilities system, training our teachers, making our schools more inclusive, and ensuring that every child can achieve and thrive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer provided context about increased investment but did not offer additional steps beyond the existing £1.7 billion increase.

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Q2 Sarah Coombes Lab West Bromwich
Education Climate
Context

Eaton Valley primary school has installed solar panels and a battery to store power, saving money on energy bills.

Question

Eaton Valley primary school in West Bromwich has enthusiastically embraced net zero by installing solar panels and a battery. The Government have supported them with financial aid. Will the Government roll out similar schemes for schools in Black Country?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

Yes, we will. We are rolling out the GB Energy solar programme to around 350 schools and colleges. We are also unlocking private finance investment in solar and energy efficiency for schools and colleges, with pilots planned for later this year.

Answered
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Q3 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Education
Context

St Andrew's primary school is about to undergo a multi-million pound rebuild, with most of the funding coming from the Department for Education.

Question

St Andrew's primary school in Shifnal is undergoing a multi-million pound rebuild. Can you commit that the funding will be delivered so that the school can continue to offer extra places and nursery spaces as part of the scheme?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising what is obviously a very important case in his constituency. I will ensure that I look into the concerns he has raised and, if it would help him to meet a Minister to discuss it further, I will ensure that that is arranged too.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer did not provide a direct commitment but offered to review the case and arrange meetings with Ministers.

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Q4 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Education Mental Health
Context

Annual funding for physical education is being cut by 22%, impacting primary schools particularly.

Question

With growing obesity and mental health issues among children, quality physical education is crucial. However, annual funding for PE will be slashed by 22% under the new system. Can you look parents in the eye and claim that cutting these budgets mid-term is giving every child a fair chance?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I agree with where the hon. Lady started, which is that PE and sport—call it access to high-quality sports coaching, provision and resourcing in terms of capital investment in schools—are incredibly important. Alongside the work we are doing on school food to ensure that children get a great meal at lunch time in particular and our huge expansion of free school meals, we have committed more than £1 billion of investment into the work to establish that new PE and sport partnership.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer agreed on the importance of PE but did not directly address the 22% funding cut or mid-term budget reductions.

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