Cornwall Schools Forum - 9 January 2026

The Cornwall Schools Forum began with a confirmation that no members had any declarations of interest. The Finance Analyst (DM) presented the Pupil Growth Formula 2026/27 report, noting that the item had been deferred from the December 2025 meeting to allow the preparation of an anonymised visual table of data. A briefing note containing this table, which outlined the impacts of Options A and B, had been circulated to Forum members ahead of the meeting. Members agreed that the briefing provided the necessary information for decision‑making.

Following the briefing, Valerie Royston moved, and Sean Pinhay seconded, a resolution that the Forum endorse the preferred Option B as set out in the 12 December 2025 report. The resolution was adopted, confirming that Option B would reduce the amount each school receives while still providing funding to all schools that qualify for growth funding under the usual methodology.

The Finance Analyst (DM) then presented proposals for the 2026/27 funding formula concerning de‑delegated budgets for Primary Maintained Schools, which had been deferred from the previous meeting due to the absence of Primary Maintained School representatives. Victoria Lock moved, and Valerie Royston seconded, a series of resolutions that were all carried:

1. Continue to pool funds for a Staff Costs/Supply Cover Maternity Leave fund, projected at £137 k for 2026/27.

2. Continue to pool funds for a Trade Union Representation fund, projected at £29 k for 2026/27.

3. De‑delegate resources to establish a Schools in Financial Difficulty fund, projected at £135 k for 2026/27.

4. Continue to de‑delegate Free School Meals Eligibility assessments, projected at £10 k for 2026/27.

The Forum noted that no Secondary Maintained School representatives were present, and therefore those representatives would be consulted via email on recommendations 9‑10. The Primary Maintained School representatives unanimously supported recommendation 10 as outlined in the 12 December 2025 report. The Vice‑Chairman, acting in the Chair, responded to concerns about the consultation process, reiterating that Forum members represent sectors rather than individual schools. An update was also provided on current vacancies within the Forum.