Worries over 'instability'
If the proposed changes are implemented as they stand, many schools will see their budgets affected.
Among the primary schools in Bath, Combe Down stands to gain the most money, £139,595 over five years, while Newbridge would be one of the biggest losers, effectively missing out on £113,042 in the years leading up to 2018.
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In its response to the council's consultation, Newbridge said: "We are concerned that schools with the biggest changes to their budgets, both negative and positive, will suffer the greatest instability, especially when changes are made again when the national funding formula is introduced."
Some schools in the area claim considering the number of children who are entitled to a free school meal (FSM) is a better indicator of deprivation than the wider IDACI index.
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Peasedown St John Primary School, which is set to lose £79,079 under the new formula, said in its response that the index was flawed.
The school said: "Whilst FSM is also not a perfect system, it is an indicator based on household income of an individual family and thus likely to be a more accurate indication of deprivation."
The situation is similar with the city's secondary schools, with some expecting to be allocated more money and others preparing to be given less.
Ralph Allen School would be £305,000 better off, but the Bath Community Academy (previously Culverhay School) would lose £175,000.
Neither wanted to comment to the Chronicle.
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