West Sussex County Council is calling on the government to urgently review the way schools are funded after councillors from across the political spectrum backed a motion demanding a fairer settlement.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning will write to the Secretary of State for Education in support of calls from headteachers for changes to the National Funding Formula.
The motion, proposed by Councillor Kirsten Sutton, was approved at a meeting of Full Council on Friday, 17 July.
It followed concerns raised by headteachers across West Sussex about continuing financial pressures and the effect they are having on pupils, staff and the education schools are able to provide.
Councillors heard that, despite the introduction of the National Funding Formula in 2018, West Sussex remains among the lowest-funded local authority areas in England for both primary and secondary education.
The motion also raised concerns that current arrangements do not properly reflect local housing and employment costs, making it more difficult for schools to recruit and retain staff.
Headteachers from across the county wrote to West Sussex MPs in May 2026 to express what they described as their “profound and growing concern regarding the chronic underfunding of our schools”.
Following the vote, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning will ask the government to review the National Funding Formula, including the way the Area Cost Adjustment is calculated and mainstream school funding is distributed.
The council will also call for minimum per-pupil funding increases to keep pace with inflation and for the government to fully fund nationally agreed pay rises for teachers and support staff.
It is also seeking a visit from the Minister for School Standards to allow ministers to see the impact of existing funding arrangements on West Sussex schools.
Councillors want the county’s MPs to support reforms which better reflect local labour market and housing costs.
The authority will continue working with headteachers, academy trusts, governors and the f40 campaign group, which represents 43 of the lowest-funded local authority areas in England.
The motion said every child in West Sussex deserved access to high-quality education which was funded fairly and sustainably.
It warned that funding inequalities could limit opportunities for pupils and restrict investment in staffing, buildings, special educational needs and disabilities provision, and wider educational support.
West Sussex County Council said it would continue working with schools, education partners and national organisations to secure a fairer funding settlement for children and young people across the county.
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! Read with ease, no annoying pop-up ads.
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assisting HMP Ford escapee Oliver Mazirel
Traveler site approved in Warnham
Four former employees from Southern Water, including the former Chief Executive Officer Matthew Wright, face a charge of conspiracy to defraud
Arundel and South Downs MP urges Housing Secretary to end West Sussex local government uncertainty
Two newly trained police dogs boost drug detection capability across Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Witness appeal after two-car collision near Gatwick Airport
RNLI Float to Live roadshow arrives in Littlehampton
Hot weather sparks spike in wildfires across Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Community performers take centre stage at Eastbourne Bandstand this summer
Tudor festival to bring Henry VIII, jousting and falconry to West Horsley Place
On Air