Data has revealed that local primary age children are receiving less funding for their education now, than they were 5 years ago.

The new data, highlighted by Barnsley East MP Stephanie Peacock, shows that over 20 primary schools in her constituency received less funding per pupil in real terms in the 2020/21 academic year, compared to 2014/15.

In comparison, just 5 Barnsley East primary schools (Cherry Dale, Hoyland Common, Sandhill, St Helen’s and St Michael’s) saw an increase in real-terms funding per pupil over the same time period.

This is of particular concern given over 1 in 4 children in Barnsley East are growing up in poverty.

Ms Peacock highlighted this underfunding problem in the House of Commons, sharing a local teacher’s experience that schools in Barnsley were at ‘breaking point’.

The Barnsley East MP commented:

‘As a former secondary school teacher, I can only imagine how difficult it has been for schools over the last two years amidst the pandemic.

These challenges are only set to continue as schools in our area attempt to help pupils to catch up from lost learning, all whilst receiving less funding.’