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Press Release

Philanthropists to fund state schools

3 November 2010

Commenting on Michael Gove's intentions to set up an Education Endowment Fund for school improvements using £110 million of public money, and which he hopes will also encourage donations from philanthropists, Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said;

"An education system funded by rich philanthropists is no substitute for a properly state-funded system of education in which funding is distributed equitably according to need, not based on the lobbying power of individual schools. The lesson from the US is that all schools lose out when funding depends on individual philanthropists rather than a fully state funded system of education.

"Using the money earmarked for the extension of the free school meals programme to prop up this project is a counterproductive and short sighted measure. If children don't eat properly they cannot concentrate in the afternoon. Access to school meals remains the most tried and tested method of raising attainment.

"Michael Gove is intent upon pitching school against school to make up for the shortfall in funding. This is a desperately unfair and divisive way to run an education system which will impact greatest on schools in the poorest areas."




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National Union of Teachers

National Union of Teachers

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