£538,500 to help pupils in Surrey catch up

Over £½ million will help Year 7 pupils who didn't reach the expected level in literacy and maths when they finished primary school in Surrey catch up with their classmates who did.

Schools will today (Thursday) receive £500 per pupil who didn't reach the expected level to help them through catch-up classes and individual tuition.

Evidence shows only five per cent of pupils who don't achieve Level 4 in both English and maths at Key Stage 2 go on to achieve five GCSEs at A* to C, including English and maths.

This extra money, announced by Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Cleggin September at Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference, is to help these children catch up with their classmates.

Schools will have freedom to decide how best to use the catch-up premium, but examples could include:

• Small-group tuition supported by new classroom materials and resources, which could take place at lunchtimes or after school;
• Holiday support to deliver intensive catch-up over a short period.
• Additional services and materials to add to those provided by the school, such as tutor services or proven computer-based learning or online support.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Surrey County Council Education Committee Councillor Peter Lambell (Reigate Central) said:

"No pupil should be left behind in our schools, to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to get on in life. To achieve this it is hugely important that every child has a strong grasp of maths and a good reading ability when they start at secondary school.

"Catch-up classes and personal tuition are targeted at those who need a helping hand, so their chances of success are increased rather than letting them fall behind further.

"This will allow whole classes to move forward faster together by boosting pupils' motivation which will prevent disruptive behaviour in class.

"By putting fairness back at the centre of our schools system, Liberal Democrats are ensuring that everyone can get on in life. It will allow children to flourish and will help us build a stronger economy."

Commenting further, Nick Cleggsaid:

"Liberal Democrats are building a stronger economy in a fairer society, enabling everyone to get on in life. Education is critical to that.

"The consequences of a pupil being left behind in the basics when they start secondary school can last for the rest of their education.

"The catch-up premium money being handed out to schools today will help pupils catch up with their peers as quickly as possible. Every child should have the chance to succeed and get off on the right foot when they start their new school."

Notes:

1. In 2012, 13 per cent of pupils in all schools failed to gain a Level 4 in reading and 16 per cent failed to achieve this in maths (109,000 in total in England).

2. Payments to Local Authorities will be made today (Thursday 31 January). Payments to Academies and Free Schools will be made on 1 February.

3. Funding for the catch-up premium is a maximum of £500 per pupil. Almost half of the pupils who are matched with funding are also eligible for the Pupil Premium, which is focussed on disadvantaged pupils.

4. Schools are free to determine how best to use the funding, but Ofsted inspectors will consider how schools are using the premium when inspecting schools. They will also monitor how effectively schools report to parents on whether or not students are meeting national expectations.

5. Nick Clegg announced the catch-up premium in September 2012. The press notice can be found here: www.dpm.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/pupils-who-fall-behind-english-and-maths-get-intensive-catch-classes.

Table of money for Surrey schools: