A £1.6m boost to our schools
Move aims to raise attainment levels
Schools across East Kilbride and Avondale will receive a cash boost from a Scottish Government fund.
The Pupil Equity Fund aimed at boosting the attainment levels of the most deprived pupils will pay out £7.9 million to schools in South Lanarkshire.
More than 2300 schools across Scotland are set to benefit from the funding – including 148 throughout East Kilbride, Avondale and the wider region.
The total amount to be distributed to schools in East Kilbride and Avondale is just over £1.6m. Greenhills Primary will receive the single biggest allocation in the area of £139,200.
Money is given directly to head teachers, allowing them to spend on local initiatives that will close the poverty-related attainment gap.
South Lanarkshire’s head of education has welcomed the windfall – saying it will allow head teachers to engage with the local community and taylor projects to meet pupils’ individual needs.
Executive director of education resources Tony McDaid said: “Head teachers have welcomed the opportunity that this funding has provided to engage in discussion and consultation in their own communities, and to collaborate with their colleagues across South Lanarkshire.
“While each school has its own plans and priorities, the aim is to ensure equity of opportunity for all pupils resulting in happier, healthier young people who are thriving and achieving, with a particular focus on key skills in literacy and numeracy.”
East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani said: “The SNP has made closing the attainment gap our priority in this parliament – and the latest investment of nearly £8 million in our schools and our children across East Kilbride and across South Lanarkshire is a key part of that.
“Every child should have the best possible start in life, no matter their background.
“The role that schools play in giving children the support they need is absolutely vital.
“That is why it is right that this significant investment to close the poverty-related attainment gap goes straight to headteachers.
“It will give those with the most knowledge of their schools the ability to develop initiatives to benefit children. Some of the initiatives schools in East Kilbride have taken are innovative and exciting.”
Ensure equity of opportunity for all pupils...