Aid for low-achieving kids

Thousands of low-achieving pupils in Nottinghamshire schools could benefit from a support programme to help them with reading, writing and maths.
Generic schools picture to accompany Achievement for All fstory about low-achieving schoolchildren.Generic schools picture to accompany Achievement for All fstory about low-achieving schoolchildren.
Generic schools picture to accompany Achievement for All fstory about low-achieving schoolchildren.

An independent study found that schools which implemented the initiative, delivered by the charity Achievement for All, recorded improved progress in reading for pupils aged 11-16 by 55 per cent above national expectations.

The report, compiled by PwC, highlighted that students vulnerable to underachievement also exceeded national attainment targets in writing by 53 per cent and maths by 20 per cent.

Almost half of educational establishments use the Deprivation Pupil Premium to fund their involvement in the charity’s Schools Programme .

Nottinghamshire schools have 24,000 primary and secondary pupils eligible for the pupil premium, with allocated funding of almost £28 million.

Since involvement with the Schools Programme, more than 80 per cent of parents nationally have reported an improvement in their child’s progress in each subject. Maths reflected the most significant progress, doubling from 44 per cent before involvement with the Schools Programme, to 88 per cent after.

Professor Sonia Blandford, CEO and founder of Achievement for All, said:“Research shows that those with a low level of educational attainment are almost five times as likely to be in poverty now and eleven times as likely to be severely materially deprived as those with a high level of education.

“Our sole purpose at Achievement for All is to ensure that every child succeeds, regardless of their background, challenge or need. While our programme targets specific groups within a school or setting, it is also used as a whole school improvement tool. The practices and teachings are infiltrated across the board to benefit all pupils, teachers, parents and carers.

“We are delighted with the progress we have made as outlined in the PwC report, and are continuously looking to partner with more schools and settings across the country to help improve the outcomes for as many children and young people as possible.”

To read the full report, visit www.afaeducation.org

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