SCHOOLS in Cambridgeshire are set to get fairer funding, a decision that has been welcomed by campaigners.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said that a national funding formula for schools would be in place for 2015-16 which is expected to benefit Cambridgeshire, which is currently the worst funded authority for schools in the country.

Cllr David Harty, Cambridgeshire County Council’s cabinet member for education and learning, said: “We are delighted that the continuing lobbying of the Cambridgeshire Schools’ Forum, county councillors and local MPs has finally resulted in a firm commitment to address the low funding issues that have faced Cambridgeshire’s schools for far too long.

“Although we recognise there is still a long way to go for complete equity across the country, the move to introduce a national funding formula from 2015/16 provides some light at the end of the tunnel.”

Philip Hodgson, chairman of the Cambridgeshire Schools’ Forum, added: “This is very welcome news, and we are extremely grateful for support we have had from headteachers, governors and parents.

“Obviously we will need to wait until further details are announced over the coming months as to exactly how these changes are to be implemented and the resulting impact for individual schools, but we will continue to lobby ministers and work with the Department for Education to try and achieve the best outcomes for Cambridgeshire’s schools.”