asked the Minister for Education the capitation grant, including the grant for teachers' salaries, per pupil payable to secondary schools in each school year since 1977-1978; if he is aware of the need to increase this grant in view of the rate if inflation since 1977; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Secondary Schools Capitation Grant.
The capitation grant (including teachers' salaries grant) was payable at the following rates in respect of school years 1977-78 and 1978-79:
Attendance of Recognised Pupils |
Senior Pupils |
Junior Pupils |
||
In schools which operate a 5 day week |
In schools which operate a 6-day week |
£ |
On 1st 100 |
Thereafter |
145 or over |
160 or over |
36 |
£28 |
£26 |
120-144 |
130-159 |
30 |
£23 |
|
95-119 |
100-129 |
26 |
£20 |
|
70-94 |
70-99 |
22 |
£19 |
A special payment of £2 per pupil was made in December 1979 towards the increase in heating costs. This £2 was incorporated in the capitation grant, bringing the following rates into operation in respect of the school years from 1979-80:
Attendance of Recognised Pupils |
Senior Pupils |
Junior Pupils |
||
(1)In schools which operate a 5 day week |
(2)In schools which operate a 6 day week |
£ |
On 1st 100 |
Thereafter |
145 or over |
160 or over |
38 |
£30 |
£28 |
120-144 |
130-159 |
32 |
£25 |
|
95-119 |
100-129 |
28 |
£22 |
|
70-94 |
70-99 |
24 |
£21 |
The amount of the capitation grant per school approximates to the cost of the basic salaries paid to the teachers in receipt of incremental salary on the staff of the school. There has been no increase in the amount (£400) of this basic salary since July 1968.
I may add that, as from April 1980, the Department of Education has assumed responsibility for the payment of the employer's share of the pay-related social insurance and of the full recoupment, as against two-thirds previously, of the cost of employment of substitute teachers in certain circumstances.
The amounts of the grant in lieu of tuition fees were as follows: 1976-77 — £50.00; from 1 January 1978 — £66.50; 1979-80 — £70.00; 1980-81 — £70.00. The amount for 1981-82 will be £77.00.