Welsh schools to share £90 million to help disadvantaged learners

Welsh schools to share £90 million to help disadvantaged learners

Schools across Wales are set to share a cash pot of over £90 million in 2018-19 in order to help disadvantaged learners.

The cabinet secretary has written to schools, outlining how much of the money they will receive.

In addition to this money, £187 million has been guaranteed for the remainder of the Assembly term, so that schools have the “stability to plan ahead”.

The pupil development grant aims to help schools tackle the effects of poverty and disadvantage on attainment.

It is targeted at pupils who are eligible for free school meals, or are Looked After Children.

Primary and secondary schools will continue to receive a rate of £1,150 per learner.

Education secretary Kirsty Williams said: “Reducing the attainment gap between pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers is at the heart of our national mission to raise standards. This is one of the most effective ways in which we can break the cycle of deprivation and poverty.

“Time and again, teachers have told me how much of a difference PDG funding has made in raising aspirations, building confidence, improving behaviour and attendance and in involving families with their children’s education.

“Teachers have also called for greater certainty around future PDG funding and that’s why I’m pleased to be able to guarantee allocation levels for the next two financial years and reaffirm our commitment to the grant for the lifetime of this Assembly.”

Williams continued: “We have always said that the PDG is there to support all pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals, not just those that are struggling academically. That’s why I want schools to ensure they are supporting more able pupils as well.

“I would also encourage all schools to make full use of the PDG advisers and coordinators from the education consortia – they’re there to help when it comes to making the best use of the funding and ensuring that we raise attainment across the board.”

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