Schools Block
Councils are setting school funding formulas and considering transfers from the Schools Block to address high needs costs.
Haringey Council finalised its schools funding formula for the 2026-27 academic year in January 2026, adopting the National Funding Formula Model with a 0% Minimum Funding Guarantee, as approved by Councillor Zena Brabazon. Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum considered transferring 1% of its Schools Block, an estimated £1.28 million, to the High Needs Block in December 2025 to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Kingston schools face a projected £12.7 million deficit for the 2025/26 academic year, primarily due to pressures within the High Needs Block, a report in January 2026 said. The Haringey Schools Forum in July 2026 and the Wandsworth Schools Forum in May 2026 discussed the Dedicated Schools Grant outturn for 2025-26. No upcoming meetings are listed.
The Schools Block is a component of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) that funds mainstream primary and secondary schools. Councils receive this funding and determine how it is allocated to individual schools within their borough, often using a local funding formula.
Key facts
- Haringey Council finalised its schools funding formula for 2026-27 with a 0% Minimum Funding Guarantee in January 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum considered a 1% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block in December 2025. Source
- This proposed transfer from the Schools Block is estimated to be around £1.28 million. Source
- Kingston schools face a projected deficit of £12.7 million for the 2025/26 academic year. Source
- The deficit in Kingston is primarily due to a projected £13.148 million overspend in the High Needs Block. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.