Massive boost in pupil premium funding will help South Lakes students - Farron

As the new school year begins, pupils across South Lakeland will benefit from a massive uplift in funding on top of the school budget thanks to the Pupil Premium. Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed the funding and said it will help 'every child to reach their potential'.

The pupil premium is one of the Lib Dems' signature policies which featured prominently in its general election manifesto in 2010. The party said on the first page of its manifesto that it would invest "£2.5bn in schools, targeted to help struggling pupils" - a target that will be met with the announcement.

The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 for pupils in England from low-income families. Under the scheme, schools in disadvantaged areas in England are allotted £600 per head to help give extra tailored support to poorer children.

And in 2014/15, the Pupil Premium will be increased to £1,300 per eligible primary school pupil, up from £900 per child this year.

In 2013 many local schools will see a substantial rise in their funding. The Lakes school will receive an additional £16,500 increase to take their total pupil premium funding to £47,700 in 2013. SettlebeckHigh School will see its funding rise by £7,755 to £17,100 and QueenKatherineSchool in Kendal is gaining an extra £46,032, taking its pupil premium funding to £149,700.

Tim said: "Knowing that thousands of young people are getting the help and support they need is fantastic news. I know that the funds that we have helped secure will give local young people the chance to learn, hopefully open many doors and make a massive difference. Education is the essential investment in a young person's life - we need to make sure we allow every child to reach their full potential and I know that this funding is a step in the right direction."

Minister of State for Schools, David Laws MPadded: "The Pupil Premium helps to provide extra support for the children who need it the most.

"Helping the most disadvantaged children helps every child. Fewer children falling behind means less disruption in class and a better education for everyone. This will allow all our children to get the best possible start in life."

The Pupil Premium provides schools with extra money to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This will help whole classes move forward faster together.

Schools will be able to spend this money in ways that they feel helps their pupils best. Evidence shows some schools use it to hire extra staff offer reading and maths classes for children who need an extra hand or to provide appropriate IT facilities.