Norfolk and Suffolk: £1 Million for Catch-Up Classes

31 January 2013, 06:00 | Updated: 31 January 2013, 06:15

Around a million pounds of Government money is coming to the region to help year 7 pupils catch up in English and Maths.

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

Norfolk secondary schools will be receiving £608,000 and Suffolk schools expected to get £453,000.
 
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 Clegg in 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.

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb 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.
 
“The evidence shows that pupils who are behind when they start secondary school struggle to catch up by the time they take GCSEs.
 
“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 further behind.
 
“This could also allow whole classes to move forward faster together, by boosting pupils’ motivation and thereby reducing disruptive behaviour in class.
 
Commenting further, Nick Clegg said:
 
“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.”