SCHOOLS are set to receive thousands of pounds more money over the next four years.

However, headteachers say they fear the increase will do little to make up for money they have lost in other ways.

THE county will see a predicted funding increase of 2.4 percent in schools from next year.

Worcestershire will see the rise in 2018/19 and will also see a further rise of 1.5 percent in 2019/20 as a consequence of the new National Funding Formula (NFF) and Dedicated Schools Grant.

Education secretary Justine Greening made the announcement in parliament on the National Funding Formula for schools and high need schools.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Greening repeated a previous pledge to give schools an extra £1.3billion from 2018 to 2020.

The new funding formula (NFF), replacing the current system which relies on historic data, is due to be introduced in 2018/19.

It is being brought in to tackle wide variations in per-pupil funding rates across the country.

Steve Powell, headteacher of Nunnery Wood High School, welcomed the extra money.

He said: "I think this is welcome news and Robin Walker MP deserves credit for all the work he put in on this.

"It’s early days – because we don’t know yet what will be cut – but the increase should see Nunnery benefit by several hundred thousand pounds over the two years over which the money is delivered."

However, Mr Powell said it was worth noting that the extra funding would only replace money lost through budgets being frozen while costs rose.

He said: "In real terms, we’ve lost around £250,000 over the past few years."

Lindsey Cooke, head of Hanley Castle High School, said the increase would give her school an extra £100,000 the first year and £70,000 after that if the local authority didn't retain some of the rise.

She also said costs including an apprenticeship levy, increased pension costs and national insurance contributions would eat into the money.

She said: "The government is talking about lifting the public sector pay cap which is brilliant.

"But if it is unfunded that will have to come out of the extra money."

"I was at a meeting of the association of Worcestershire Headteachers and we welcome the money but we all have grave concerns about how it will be implemented." 

Cllr Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills, said: "It is a testament to all the years of campaigning for Fairer Funding by headteachers, governors, schools, parents and the local authority.

"We will be working through the detail of the announcement to consider the implications for Worcestershire schools

"We strive to ensure Worcestershire schools provide high quality education for all children and young people.

"Nine out of 10 of our schools are rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted."