REDDITCH'S MP Karen Lumley has welcomed the news that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in Redditch have been allocated £3.324 million for 2014/15 to help them achieve their full potential.

This follows the visit of David Laws MP, Minister for Schools, to Redditch last week, when he visited RSA Academy Arrow Vale and Woodrow First School.

The minister was shown around both schools along with Mrs Lumley where he was informed about the excellent improvements in both schools. At RSA Academy Arrow Vale, GCSE results turnaround has been spectacular and the minister was very impressed by the work going on.

The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools so that they can support their disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers. The Government has increased Pupil Premium funding to £1.875 billion in 2013-14, with schools attracting £900 per disadvantaged child, with an additional payment of £53 for primary aged pupils. In 2014-15, the funding will rise to £2.5 billion, with £1,300 for primary aged pupils, £935 for secondary aged pupils and £1,900 for all looked-after children, adopted children and children with guardians. In total, pupils in Redditch will have received £8.647 million between 2011 and 2015.

Mrs Lumley said: "Educational attainment in Redditch has markedly improved since 2010 and I have been a passionate advocate for many years in pushing the Government to provide the best deal for the children of this town. I was therefore delighted to show David Laws MP, RSA Academy Arrow Vale and Woodrow First School.

"RSA Academy is one of the fastest improving schools in the country and it always fantastic to see the hard work happening there and I know the minister was very impressed by the work.

"This is excellent news for disadvantaged pupils and their families in Redditch and will give local schools the support they need to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, can fulfil their potential."