Graham Watson MEP

September 28, 2011 11:04 AM

Liberal Democrat Children and Families Minister, Sarah Teather announced at Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference that the total funding available for the Pupil Premium will be doubled to £1.25bn in 2012-13.

This is a rise from £625m in 2011-12, and will rise again each year until 2014-15 when it will be worth £2.5bn. Schools decide how to spend the extra funding so that it best supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Commenting, South West MEP Sir Graham Watson said:

"It is shocking fact that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are three times less likely to achieve five good GSCEs than their more well-off classmates.

"Education is the best way to end the underachievement of disadvantaged pupils. We need to support children comprehensively from early years straight through to secondary school.

"That is why Liberal Democrats have ensured that this Government has extended free early years education in the coming school year the South West is expected to receive £37.6 million as part of the pupil premium, affecting almost 80,000 pupils directly."

"Sarah Teather's announcement means that next year this amount should double. This will make an even bigger difference for schools across the region and in especially in our most deprived communities."

"The pupil premium is one of the Liberal Democrats' greatest achievements in the coalition government and we must remind everyone that had the Conservatives 'gone in alone' this money would not be made available.'

Commenting further, Sarah Teather said:

"The amount the Government is making available through the Pupil Premium will double next year and I am delighted to announce this increase. It shows this Government's commitment to reforming funding for schools to make it fairer for the most deprived children.

"It is our responsibility to close the gulf in achievement. This extra funding to schools is vital to help them tackle inequality and make sure thousands of children get the extra support they need to succeed and reach their potential."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Pupil Premium is one of the four key commitments the Liberal Democrats fought the 2010 General Election on and featured on the front page of the Liberal Democrat manifesto.

1. It is designed to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and is allocated on the basis of pupils on Free School Meals to schools, which they can spend as they believe is best.

1. In 2011-12, the allocated additional money for schools was £625m which will rise to £1.25bn in 2012-13 and will continue to rise until it reaches £2.5bn a year by 2014-2015.