A CAMPAIGN for more funding for pupils of Worcestershire schools is gathering pace following the announcement of a new review.

A consultation on reforming the national funding formula has been announced by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Education.

Parents and MPs argue Worcestershire, including Bromsgrove schools, receives a poor deal from the Government as it is one of the worst-funded authorities in the country.

They said schools in the county were allocated £482 less per pupil than the national average for 2011/12 – and that neighbouring authority Birmingham was given nearly £1,100 more funding per pupil than Worcestershire.

Campaigners hope a reform of the formula will give Worcestershire a better deal and lead to improvements in schools’ attainment.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid, along with five other Worcestershire MPs, have presented a letter to Mr Gove, calling for fairer funding.

He said: “Schools in Bromsgrove have suffered for too long from an unfair funding formula.

“Inequality is not justifiable, and I want a better deal for pupils in Bromsgrove.

“We need a clearer and simpler national funding formula to allocate funds more evenly across the country, so I am delighted the Education Secretary announced a major review to achieve this aim.”

Redditch’s MP Karen Lumley added: “It is vital that we continue to speak out and speak loudly in favour of real reform, real fairness and a better deal for Worcestershire.”