ACT Signs up to Gonski

The ACT has reached a deal with the Federal Government on the Gonski school education funding changes.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher announced the deal while visiting Lyneham High School in Canberra's north.

Under the plan, ACT schools will receive an extra $190 million over six years in school funding from 2014, benefiting about 62,000 students.

The ACT is only the second jurisdiction to sign-up to the deal and the announcement comes just days before the ACT budget is handed down.

Ms Gillard says she is delighted the agreement has been reached and is determined to work closely with all remaining states and territories to see the reforms agreed to by June 30.

"These are practical changes in our classrooms. I want to see them in every classroom around the country, in all 9,500 schools," she said.

The Federal Government has also announced $26 million in funding over six years to establish a centre for quality teaching and learning at the University of Canberra.

"We believe the ACT is the right place for such a centre because of the high achievement of its schools," Ms Gillard said.

Ms Gallagher says the ACT has long been a supporter of the reforms.

"What this will mean is that no school will be worse off. Indeed all schools will receive extra support over the next six years," she said.

"What it also means is for every student in the ACT, regardless of where you go to school ... you will get the same access to resources and support as every other student in the Territory.

"This national funding reform puts to bed the government and non-government divide once and for all. It says regardless of where you go to school, this is the money that we need to provide you with an excellent education."