Farron welcomes £243,000 to help pupils in Cumbria catch up

This morning Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has welcomed £243,000 to help Year 7 pupils who didn't reach the expected level in literacy and maths when they finished primary school in Cumbria to catch up with their classmates who did.

This extra money, which was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in September, will be given to schools across Cumbria today. Each school will receive £500 per pupil who didn't reach the expected level to help them through catch-up classes and individual tuition. Of the money being spent in the area £74,000 will be given to schools in the South Lakes.

Evidence shows only five per cent of pupils who don't achieve Level 4 in both English and maths at Key Stage 2 go on to achieve five GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths.

Schools will have freedom to decide how best to use the catch-up premium, but examples could include:

• Small-group tuition supported by new classroom materials and resources, which could take place at lunchtimes or after school;
• Holiday support to deliver intensive catch-up over a short period.
• Additional services and materials to add to those provided by the school, such as tutor services or proven computer-based learning or online support.

Commenting, Tim said: "This money will make a huge difference to students across the South Lakes and Cumbria and will make sure that we're not leaving any children behind. We are lucky enough to have some of the best schools in the country in our area and this extra funding will ensure that every student gets a chance to benefit from that.

"This additional support will help to fund catch-up classes and personal tuition for those pupils that are struggling so their chances of success are increased rather than letting them fall behind further."

Commenting further, Nick Clegg said: "Liberal Democrats are building a stronger economy in a fairer society, enabling everyone to get on in life. Education is critical to that.

"The consequences of a pupil being left behind in the basics when they start secondary school can last for the rest of their education.

"The catch-up premium money being handed out to schools today will help pupils catch up with their peers as quickly as possible. Every child should have the chance to succeed and get off on the right foot when they start their new school."