Agenda item

Lisa Potts introduced the report (Agenda Item 7), which set out the requirements and changes for setting the primary and secondary school funding formula for 2026/27. The aim was to mirror the National Funding Formula (NFF) as closely as possible, incorporating local factors. Lisa Potts explained that DfE allocations for 2026-27 had been delayed due to the spending review, with figures expected in the autumn. The consultation pack used 2025-26 data, which would be updated.

The report recommended that the consultation be undertaken with all schools on the areas set out in section 2.1 of the report. It was proposed that the consultation run from 15th October to 7th November 2025, which was a slightly extended period to incorporate half term and to enable schools to respond. The questions that would be included with the consultation were detailed in Appendix A to the report.

Lisa Potts drew attention to the detail regarding block transfers in section eight of the report. Paragraph 8.4 set out transfers previously agreed from the schools block to the high needs block. If a 0.5% transfer was approved for 2026/27 this would equate to around £700k.

The Vice-Chair noted that there were no comments on the report however, he suspected there would be more questions and comments at the next Forum meeting in December.

The Vice-Chair invited the Forum to consider the recommendations set out in section 2.1 of the report, that the consultation be undertaken with all schools between the 15th October and 7th November on the following areas:

• West Berkshire Council’s proposed school funding formula for 2026/27
• An up to 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to other funding blocks
• The criteria to be used to allocate additional funds
• The proposed services to be de-delegated.

The recommendations were proposed and seconded, and at the vote the motion was approved.

RESOLVED that the Schools’ Forum agreed the recommendations set out in section two of the report.