SOUTH Craven MP Julian Smith has welcomed Government plans which he says will make the funding of schools fairer.

Mr Smith said the proposed national funding formula, scheduled to be introduced in 2018-19, would redress an unfair advantage held by urban schools over those in rural areas.

More than 10,000 schools would gain and none would face a reduction of more than 1.5 per cent per pupil in a year, he added.

"Disparities in the present funding system mean a school could get 50 per cent more if it was situated in another part of the country," said Mr Smith.

"These reforms will ensure that young people are not put at an educational disadvantage because of where they live.

"The measures sit at the heart of delivering the Government's pledge to build a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

"I see schools in our area that are vital to the local community but are struggling because they are so rural.

"That is why I have campaigned for fairer funding for schools since I became MP in 2010."

Education Secretary Justine Greening said: "Our proposed reforms will mean an end to historical unfairness and underfunding for certain schools.

"We need a system that funds schools according to the needs of their pupils rather than their postcode, levelling the playing field and giving parents the confidence that every child will have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential."