23 primary schools across Rutland and Melton have been given up to £56,300 in Government funding as part of the National Funding Formula's (NFF) sparsity factor.

The NFF aims to account for the particular challenges faced by small schools in rural areas by providing specific funding. In addition to this, the Government has already committed £2 billion for schools this year, as well as the highest pay increase for teachers in 30 years.

In 2023-24, eligible primary schools can be awarded up to £56,300, and eligible secondary schools can be awarded up to £81,900 through the NFF.

The primary schools in Rutland and Melton awarded Government funding as part of the NFF in 2023-24 are:

• Ab Kettleby School: £56,300
• Buckminster Primary School: £52,466
• Great Dalby School: £5,863
• Somerby Primary School: £56,300
• Stathern Primary School: £41,943
• Billesdon Church of England Primary School: £48,708
• Croxton Kerrial Church of England Primary School: £56,300
• Frisby Church of England Primary School: £32,923
• Harby Church of England Primary School: £15,127
• Hose Church of England Primary School (newly attracting sparsity funding as of 2023-2024): £7,319
• Long Clawson Church of England Primary School: £56,300
• Old Dalby Church of England Primary School: £13,380
• Redmile Church of England Primary School: £56,300
• Scalford Church of England Primary School: £56,300
• Tugby Church of England Primary School: £56,300
• Waltham on the Wolds Church of England Primary School: £41,191
• Hallaton Church of England Primary School: £44,950
• St Peter's Church of England Primary School Wymondham: £56,300
• Edith Weston Academy: £34,483
• Empingham Church of England Primary School: £50,963
• Exton and Greetham CofE Primary School: £56,300
• Great Casterton Church of England Primary School: £12,654
• St Nicholas Church of England Primary School: £18,129

Alicia Kearns MP, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said: "We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful local schools serving our rural communities. However rurality also presents additional challenges, and I am pleased that the National Funding Formula (NFF) now recognises these challenges, ensuring these schools have the same opportunities to grow as any school in more urban settings. 

"This funding will ensure that our schools have even more support to give our children access to the very best education they deserve, no matter where they live."