House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Education Funding
17 December 2025 · Department for Education
Proposed by Georgia Gould Lab Queen's Park and Maida Vale
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Department for Education is increasing core schools funding by 1.7 billion for 2026-27.
- Mainstream school funding per pupil is set to increase by 2.6% in 2026-27.
- High needs funding is proposed to rise by over 1 billion, or 11%, for 2026-27.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the allocation of funding through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for schools, high needs, central services, and early years in England for 2026-27.
Action requested
The Department for Education is increasing core schools funding by £1.7 billion for 2026-27, with mainstream school funding per pupil increasing by 2.6%. High needs funding will also increase by over £1 billion (or 11%) compared to the previous year. The government has published allocations and rates for pupil premium funding and early years block of DSG, aiming to deliver an inclusive education system.
Key facts
- Core schools funding is increasing by £1.7 billion in 2026-27.
- Mainstream school funding will increase by 2.6% per pupil.
- High needs funding increased by over £1 billion (or 11%).
- Pupil premium funding rates are increasing by 2.23%.
- Early years block funds government-funded childcare hours, with an expected spend of over £9.5 billion in 2026-27 - a £1 billion increase from the previous year.