The NSW Government announced the 2018 needs-based funding for educational resources and student support this week. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said that government schools would each receive a share of $1.09 billion, which is an increase of about $80 million. 

“This needs-based funding is making a real difference to the outcomes of students at the local level,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This funding allows schools to develop programs that address academic and well-being needs identified in their schools,” she said.

Ms Berejiklian said the Resource Allocation Model would provide support based on student needs, such as targeted literacy and numeracy programs, teacher training and additional speech pathologists. 

Mr Stokes said the 2018 needs-based funding increase was additional to funding announced last month under the Schools Leadership Strategy to enable employment of extra support staff. 

“The combination of funding increases and changes will enable schools to sharpen their focus on catering for the specific academic and wellbeing needs of their individual students,” Mr Stokes said.

High schools with significantly increased funding for 2018 include Ballina Coast High School (2018 total RAM funding of $1.46 million), Lurnea High School ($2.25 million), Georges River College Oatley Senior Campus ($1.02 million), Holroyd High School ($2.13 million) and Marsden High School ($1.15 million).

Primary schools with big increases include Oran Park Public School ($840,000), Smithfield Public School ($1.33 million), Muswellbrook South Public School ($1.87 million), Casula Public School ($1.40 million) and Casino Public School ($1.81 million).