TWENTY-one schools in Bolton - as part of 347 schools in the North West -will open so students can play catch up.

Thousands of schools across England are helping close the gap following disruption to education caused by the pandemic, drawing on £200m of Government funding to host summer schools.

Nick Gibb, School Standards Minister, said: “It is very good to see so many children in the North West will now have the opportunity to enjoy clubs and activities, building friendships and supporting their mental and physical health, alongside their educational progress.

“We have invested £3bn so far in helping children catch up ahead of the next academic year and summer schools are an integral part of the overall effort to recover from the disruption caused by the pandemic.”

The schools in Bolton will be taking part, include Westhoughton High School, Turton School, St Joseph’s RC High School, Mount St Joseph, Rumworth School, Ladybridge, Essa Academy, Kearsley Academy, Smithills School, Eden Boys’ School Bolton, University Collegiate School, Sharples School, Little Lever School, Bolton Muslim Girls School,Youth Challenge Pru, Lever Park School, Harper Green School, Rivington and Blackrod High School, St James’s Church of England High School, Bolton St. Catherine’s Academy, King’s Leadership Academy.