TEACHERS and school governors in West Devon have this month launched a campaign for 'fairer' funding for schools in Devon.

The Hands Up for Fairer School Funding campaign says the county is one of the worst funded education authorities in England, ranking 148th out of 151 councils.

In practical terms, funding for every pupil in Devon is £3,842 — £375 less than the national average of £4,217.

The campaign organisers have set up a petition calling for fairer school funding for Devon on the Number 10 website. They are urging parents and anyone who supports the move to view and sign the petition.

Chairman of governors at Okehampton College Ian Courtney said: 'From Okehampton College's point of view, if we could be funded in line with the national average, then that would mean about £400,000 extra a year for the college.

'It means we could employ two more teachers each year for each year group, we could offer a wider choice of subjects and we could have even smaller class sizes.

'This is a fair funding campaign and we are not just saying we want more money.

'We are providing a really good standard in Devon and we could do some seriously fantastic things with this.'

Exbourne Primary School headteacher Celia West said she welcomed the new campaign.

She said: 'Most headteachers in Devon regret that Devon's funding puts them very low on the league table and that Devon's children do not have equality of funding.

'Surely in this day and age where equal opportunities have such a high priority, there would be more equitable funding for all children?

'Devon has high transport costs and because of its rural nature that impacts on funding on other areas of education.

'I think it is a fantastic campaign and all headteachers will give this action their full support.'

John Hart, Devon County Council leader, claimed the government had let the county's children down by inadequate funding.

Despite that, he said the county's schools were in the top third for exam results which showed teachers were doing 'an excellent job with limited resources'.

But Mr Hart added that teachers could not continue 'making do' for ever.

The schools minister Vernon Coaker said funding levels reflected relative disadvantage in each area and Devon had fewer pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Coaker insisted education was a government priority and there had been 'unprecedented' increases in funding since 1997.

In a statement, Mr Coaker said funding in Devon had increased by £1,070 per pupil (34%) in real terms between 1997 and 2005 and by 2010 funding per pupil in Devon would be £4,005 — up £454 on 2007/08.

'It is the case that not all authorities receive the same amount per pupil but it is right to invest resources where they are most needed,' he said.

The minister said there would be a consultation process in 2010 for a new funding formula and Devon's input would be welcome.