CORNISH Liberal Democrat MPs Andrew George, Stephen Gilbert and Dan Rogerson have welcomed today's announcement that schools in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will receive an extra £13, 987, 000 in funding next year.
The cash is an increase in the pupil premium funding, which targets extra money to schools depending on the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds they have.
Next year the pupil premium is rising from £600 per eligible pupil per year to £900, a decision that was announced by schools minister David Laws at the Liberal Democrat party conference in September.
This will rise again the following year, meaning the pupil premium will be worth £2.5 billion nationally by the 2014/15 school year - around £1,200 per pupil.
Speaking about the increase, Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, said: "The extra money for schools across Cornwall is targeted at those schools and pupils that need it the money to make sure that everyone can aspire to achieve the very best.
"This increase should make a huge difference to schools and will help them to deliver the best possible education that we want for all young people in Cornwall."
St Austell & Newquay MP, Stephen Gilbert added: "The extra funding is brilliant news. The money will help students from disadvantaged backgrounds right across Cornwall - to the tune of £900 each - allowing schools to fund things like one on one tuition and extra classes. The additional funding will help make sure that children are given a level playing field and can go on achieve greatly."
St Ives MP Andrew George added: "This money is welcome. Cornwall, of all places, deserves this more than most. Hopefully it will address some of the endemic under-funding Cornish schools have endured."
