Warrington schools are mostly funded from the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The Department for Education issues this grant, and it covers all education, not just schools.

The funding is from April to March, the same as a financial year.

The total grant is split into four:

• Schools block. To fund individual school budgets 
• Early years block. Supports pre-school education (including the private, voluntary and independent)
• High heeds block. Supports special schools and all non-mainstream educational functions. This includes top-ups to schools/academies for pupils with additional requirements
• Central services block. A small number of general services provided by the local authority. 

The schools block funding for each authority is based on a national formula calculation but also has a geographical multiplier applied. This means that the average level of funding for each learner is different from authority to authority. The funding for maintained schools comes through the local authority, while the academies receive that funding directly. Both use the same basis of calculation.

The revised grant allocation for Warrington in 2022/23 is £115.9 million, plus £84.9 million for academy budgets. In 2021/22 this was £111.2 million, and £77.0 million for academy budgets.

Warrington is one of the lowest funded local authorities. Its schools block unit of funding for primary schools is 2.6% below the national midpoint and 5% below the average. The equivalent figures for the secondary sector are 4.3% and 7%. Similarly, its early year's block is funded at the national minimum rate. 

The f40 campaign

Warrington is concerned about the differences in funding across the country, and is a member of the f40 group of local authorities. This campaigns for a fairer national distribution of resources. 

Learn more about the f40 campaign for fairer funding in education.

Individual school budgets

Individual school budgets are calculated using the same factors and values as the National Funding Formula. The formula applies to all primary and secondary schools, whether they're maintained or have academy status. 

Pupil places in special schools and other alternative provisions are funded at a national level of £10,000. Each child then has an individually agreed top-up, depending on the specific need and setting.

In addition to the DSG funding, schools receive pupil premium. The present value of this is:

• £1,385 for each primary age child entitled to a free school meal
• £985 for each secondary age child entitled to a free school meal
• £320 for each child in a service family
• £2,410 for each child in care or adoption.