£50m to close Bolton education gap

9:09am Friday 16th May 2008

THE education achievement gap between children in primary school and those at secondary will be bridged by a slice of £50 million.

The claim was made by Government minister, Beverley Hughes on a trip to Bolton as she officially launched an improvement programme that will see £50 million pumped into school nationally.

In Bolton, the cash will be used to address problems experienced by pupils in the move from primary to secondary school.

Youngsters leave primaries performing in line or better than their peers nationally - but their attainment drops drastically when they go on to secondary school.

It has not yet been announced how much cash will be allocated for the region. But when figures are confirmed, money will be distributed.

The cash will be made available through a new scheme called the Greater Manchester Challenge.

At the launch of the scheme, Ms Hughes Children and Young People's Minister, said: "The Greater Manchester Challenge is about raising the bar, achieving better results and doing the best for every child in all schools. It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the life chances of young people in the region: "I know that there is passion, expertise and desire to go further in raising attainment and tackling inequality.

"By working together - children and young people, parents, teachers, local authorities, the wider community and government - and using local solutions for unique problems, I know we can unlock the potential in all our young people."

Paula Green, headteacher of St James CofE Primary in Farnworth, said the money would enable schools across Greater Manchester to work together in the best interest of the children.

She added: "There is a closer relationship between children and teachers in primary schools. It is a smaller environment.

"This has been a historical issue in Bolton and nationally, maybe the Greater Manchester Challenge could look at these issues."

"Good work is already been done in the borough's primary and secondary schools to help the transition process and raise standards. This new initiative will take forward what we are doing and allow us to draw on more resources in Greater Manchester rather than just those available in Bolton."