Just before Christmas, I was sent a spreadsheet setting out how much ‘Pupil Premium’ will be received by local schools next year. The Pupil Premium is a Lib Dem initiative to target extra money at schools in the most disadvantaged areas. Next year each school will receive£600 for each pupil in receipt of free school meals. The money can be spent however the headteacher thinks best – and will benefit the whole school.
According to the Government data, our three local primary schools are are due to receive significant sums:
- Weston Park Primary School on Denton Road will get £18,000
- St Aidan’s Primary School on Albany Road will get £23,400
- Stroud Green Primary School on Woodstock Road will get £107,400
Because of the way the Pupil Premium is targeted, Haringey is a massive beneficiary - with £8.8 million planned to go to our schools in 2012-13. Nearby High Schools used by Stroud Green children will also get large sums – for instance Hornsey Girls School is getting £385,000, Highgate Wood £270,000 and the Grieg City Academy £378,600. Schools in the east of Haringey, where over two thirds of pupils can be on free school meals, will quite rightly receive very large amounts of Premium.
For five years I was a governor at Weston Park Primary School, and chair of the schools resources committee – so I know that this money will make a big difference and will be put to good use in our local schools. It’s great to have some good news about school funding amongst all the gloom in these very difficult times.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!