Surrey Liberal Democrats Welcome the Pupil Premium

11.25.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Jul 2010

The Coalition Government has announced a Pupil Premium to target extra money at schools taking disadvantaged pupils.

The proposed Pupil Premium would provide additional per pupil funding on top of the existing funding provided to schools. Schools will be free to spend the additional funding as they choose to raise the achievement of disadvantage pupils.

This was a key manifesto commitment and one that Nick Clegg made clear was one of his absolute priorities.

Liberal Democrat Education Spokeswoman on Surrey County Council, Cllr Diana Smith, said: "The Pupil Premium is good news for schools. It is designed to let state schools support all pupils in the way that they think best. This could be by reducing class sizes or providing more one-to-one tuition and catch-up classes. Most money will go to the schools where the pupils have the greatest need. Here in Surrey, it will help schools tackle inequalities that persist even in a relatively prosperous County, giving extra support for the schools whose children need it most if they are to succeed."

Cllr Diana Smith added: "This was a key priority for the Liberal Democrats during the election campaign. Now it can be realised through the Coalition Government - and it would not be happening without the Liberal Democrats in Government."