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Disadvantaged schools to enjoy funding boost

13/06/2007

Schools located in the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester are to receive a multi-million pound boost to raise standards.

Between 2008 and 2011, there will be a "highly targeted" campaign to break the cycle of low attainment among the most disadvantaged primary and secondary schools in the city-region.

Dubbed the Greater Manchester Challenge, the £50 million project aims to reduce the number of underperforming schools, increase outstanding schools and drive up pupils' test results.

Alan Johnson, the education and skills secretary, said: "We know from our experience in London that sustained investment and a relentless focus on standards gets results.

"I am confident that by working with our partners in […] Greater Manchester, we will be able to use some of the lessons learnt in London to transform education."

Schools minister Andrew Adonis will lead the Greater Manchester Challenge, in partnership with local education authorities.

Included in the support given to the conurbation's schools include student coaching and mentoring, as well as help for students whose second language is English.

The programme coincides with another Department for Education and Skills initiative, in which underachieving children can expect to receive one-to-one tuition in a two-year pilot beginning in September.


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