Summer Schools Fund Promises Benefit For City's Poorest Pupils

Cambridge MP Julian Huppert

Cambridge head teachers are being urged by MP Julian Huppert to help their most disadvantaged pupils by taking advantage of the government’s £50 million Summer Schools Fund.

Applications for the fund, which was launched last September by Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, opened yesterday (Thursday, March 1).

It is designed to help disadvantaged pupils nationally, including more than 8,000 across Cambridgeshire, to make the transition from primary to secondary school.

Julian said: “I hope Cambridge head teachers will apply for this funding to run summer schools for disadvantaged youngsters across the city who will be moving on to secondary education this autumn.

“This money could help pupils by giving extra support in English and maths or provide wider activities such as music and sport or trips to theatres and museums.

“I am delighted that the coalition government has been able to target education funding in this way. It is clearly understood that youngsters from poorer backgrounds struggle at school. Some go on to secondary education with low literacy and numeracy skills.

“The Liberal Democrat-led Summer Schools Fund and the Pupil Premium will help to address some of these issues by giving disadvantaged young people the help they need and deserve to succeed.”  

Cambridge head teachers applying for the funding will be able to design and run their summer schools, targeting pupils who will benefit the most.