Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “With schools continuing to face severe and unrelenting financial pressures, today’s announcement of additional support to offset increased national insurance costs (NICs) is welcome. The rates also take account of the disproportionate cost impacts of NICs increases in primary schools, which have a higher proportion of lower paid staff.

“The decision to provide additional grant funding for mainstream schools with special units and resourced provision (SURPs) – the first time this has been recognised – is also welcome. Leaders will be relieved that pupil premium rates, vital in supporting disadvantaged pupils, are confirmed to rise in line with inflation forecasts by 2.39%.

“However, today’s announcement does not change the overall picture on school funding – as government looks towards the spending review, it is critical that schools are urgently prioritised for significant and long-term investment.”