Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk has been appointed Vice-Chair of the f40 Campaign group.
The influential cross party group represents a group of the lowest funded education authorities in England, including Gloucestershire.
F40 campaigns for a fair funding national formula for the country’s schools. It currently has 41 member authorities representing 2,817,857 pupils (35.9% of the total in England) in 9,002 schools (41%).
Alex Chalk has been involved in the f40 campaign for several years. Obtaining a fairer deal for Cheltenham and Gloucestershire schools is one of his key manifesto commitments.
Alex Chalk said: “Last year, I presented a f40 petition calling on the Government to introduce a fairer funding formula for Cheltenham's schools. The petition, which was signed by over one thousand local teachers, parents and governors, increased the pressure on the Government to take swift action to end the historic funding shortfall affecting Gloucestershire’s pupils. The petition was matched by hundreds more from across the country.
“As a direct result of the f40 campaign, the Government agreed to ditch the old, unfair funding formula. In March 2016, it began a phased consultation on its replacement. We are now waiting for a second phase to begin.
“That’s why I was delighted to be asked to become f40 Vice-Chair. We’re about to enter the final, crucial stage of the process. It gives me the chance to make our case at the very highest levels and make sure Cheltenham’s voice is heard loud and clear. It’s taken more than twenty years to get to this stage. We need to keep up the momentum and secure the best possible outcome for our schools.
“We have talked for years about the dream of a needs-led, activity-based, formula. Local schools deserve this investment. I know the amazing things that they can achieve with it.”