MP welcomes government's £4M cash boost for Cumbria schools

S outh Lakes MP Tim Farron and Children and Families Minister Sarah Teather, have announced a cash boost for Cumbria's schools through the Pupil Premium this year - more than originally expected.

In total,Cumbriawill receive over £4million, of which theSouthLakes' share is £295,000. Penrith and the surrounding area's share is £398,000. The money will be used to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The original plans for an extra £430 per pupil have been boosted by £100m, meaning that that every school in South Lakeland will now get nearly £500 for every child on Free School Meals. News of the extra money comes after Sarah Teather recently announced that the total Pupil Premium funding for next year will rise to £1.25bn, double the amount in 2011-12.

Thanks to the Liberal Democrats, it will rise again each year until 2014-15 when it will be worth £2.5bn.

Commenting, Tim said: "It is a 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 through supporting children comprehensively from early years straight through to secondary school.

"That is why Liberal Democrats have ensured that in the South Lakes, schools will receive £295,000 as part of the Pupil Premium.

"This is more than expected and will make an even bigger difference for our children. I look forward to working with schools and teachers to make the Pupil Premium the success our children deserve it to be."

Sarah Teather added: "The Pupil Premium will benefit poorer pupils, providing extra money directly for those pupils who need it the most. This extra funding will help tackle inequality and enable schools to provide the extra support their pupils need to reach their full potential."