Robbie Moore MP is very pleased that Keighley and Ilkley, and the wider Bradford District, has been selected by the Government as an ‘Education Investment Area’, meaning additional funds will be targeted at local schools through the Levelling-Up programme.
In these new ‘Education Investment Areas’, the Department for Education will offer retention payments to help schools keep the best teachers in the highest priority subjects. These areas will be prioritised as the location for new specialist sixth form free schools where there is limited provision to ensure talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the highest standard of education this country offers.
Schools in these areas that have been judged less than Good in successive Ofsted inspections could be moved into strong multi-academy trusts, to attract more support and the best teachers. This will be subject to a consultation in the spring. Schools in the Education Investment Areas will also be given support to address wider issues. For instance, schools struggling with attendance will be encouraged to join a new pilot programme to tackle the issue.
These plans come as part of the Government’s wider mission to ensure that 90 per cent of children leaving primary school in England are reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths by 2030. In 2019, just 65 per cent of pupils met all three standards, with the proportion substantially varying across the country.
Robbie Moore MP said: “Ensuring each and every child growing up in Keighley and Ilkley has access to a top-quality education is one of my top priorities. I am therefore delighted that the Government will be providing additional funds to ensure this is possible. Levelling-Up must start at our schools. To achieve this, it is vital to encourage the best teachers to stay local, and that we can provide specialised training to ensure our local businesses can have the skilled workforce they need. These funds will help do this, so that we can Level-Up not just our schools but our entire community.
We have some fantastic schools and teachers across Keighley and Ilkley, and we must do all they can to ensure they are supported in providing such an important service to local children. These additional funds will help teachers across the area and ensure those from disadvantaged backgrounds will be able to get a top-rate local education.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “This sets out our blueprint for putting skills, schools and families at the heart of levelling up. It focuses on putting great schools in every part of the country, training that sets you up for success in a high-skilled, well-paid career and ensuring no one misses out on opportunities simply because of where they live or their family background.
Raising our expectations and aspirations for children, as well as creating a high-skilled workforce, will end the brain drain that sees too many people leaving communities in order to succeed. These plans will help create a level playing field and boost the economy, both locally and nationally.”
