DAVID Mowat, Warrington South MP, has promised to question schools minister Nick Gibb about the 'bizarre' new school funding formula.

Every head teacher in Warrington has hit out at the plans, which mean the town remains one of the worst funded areas in the country for education.

The Conservative MP, who has campaigned for fairer school funding, said the proposals act as a disincentive for schools to perform well because each child who does not make the grade can bring the school an extra £1,000.

And he branded the plans 'bizarre' as they provide additional funding for deprived children in addition to the pupil premium.

He said: “It’s quite clear that the new draft national funding formula doesn’t go far enough to address the inequalities in our education system.

"It seems slightly bizarre that the component reflecting deprivation is so high when those pupils will also attract Pupil Premium funding as well.

“Even more perverse is that each child who fails to meet age-related expectations attracts an additional £1,000. That acts as a disincentive for high-performing schools – even though the evidence linking money and attainment is relatively weak.

“I am due to meet Schools Minister Nick Gibb in the coming week and I will be making those points to him – as several local head teachers have already raised them with me.”