GovernorHub Knowledge logo

National funding formula: an overview

Get an overview of what you need to know about the national funding formula (NFF), so you’re clear on how your school/trust is funded.

Last reviewed on 30 April 2024See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 32316
Contents
  1. What is the NFF and who is it for? 
  2. What you need to know
  3. What can I do if I disagree with our funding allocation?
  4. Be assured the data is correct

Please note: the factors that make up the national funding formula (NFF) haven't changed for 2024-25. 

What is the NFF and who is it for? 

The NFF is the series of building blocks that the DfE uses to work out state-funded mainstream schools' core funding allocations. If you're in a maintained special school, learn how your school is funded in section 3 of our other article.

Each summer, the DfE publishes a ‘notional budget’ at school level, but the end amount your school receives might be different (as we explain below). 

The NFF is used for both maintained schools and academies, with the key differences for academy trusts being:

The factors that make up the NFF are summarised in this image (source: the DfE's policy paper