The Government’s long-term ambition is for all pupils to have access to the same level of support and opportunities that are currently available to pupils in the independent sector. In this context, the Government will aim—over time, and adjusting for inflation—to increase levels of funding towards today's private sector day school levels.
The Comprehensive Spending Review settlement for education announced in Budget 2007 allows the Government to take a significant further step towards this ambition, with total per pupil resource and capital funding rising from under £2,500 cash in 1997-98 to £4,800 in 2005-06, £5,550 in 2007-08 and £6,600 in 2010-11.
Progress over future spending reviews will depend on the Government's fiscal position, demographic change, and progress by schools in continuing to deliver improvements in results and wider support for parents and pupils.