Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect on teacher numbers of the proposed school funding formula.

The Government has protected the core schools budget in real terms. We are introducing a fair funding formula so children across the country are funded according to their needs, not where they happen to live. We are currently consulting on the proposals and the consultation closes on 22 March. Overall, based on projections of rising pupil numbers, we would expect numbers of teachers to go up.

We recognise that schools will need to make efficiency savings in response to budgetary pressures. We have set a target for savings from better procurement and we have produced tools, information and guidance to support schools to make savings, including workforce planning guidance. This guidance contains links to advice and case studies, as well as lists of options and questions for school leaders to consider when reviewing their staff structures.