Government Pours £42m into Education Cold Spots to Boost Disadvantaged Pupils
The Government is cracking down on education gaps with a £42 million cash injection for 24 Priority Education Investment Areas (PEIAs) across the country, including Nottingham, Liverpool, and Portsmouth. The aim? To tackle low attainment and support disadvantaged pupils through targeted funding and proven programmes.
Local Needs Fund Targets Literacy, Numeracy, and Attendance
Schools in these struggling areas will get fresh funding from the Local Needs Fund to improve literacy, numeracy, and attendance. The Government’s plan focuses on retaining top teachers, boosting school attendance, and moving weaker schools into strong multi-academy trusts (MATs) for a turnaround.
So far, the strategy is paying off. Since 2010, the number of good or outstanding schools has surged from 68% to 88%, with academy trusts playing a central role in lifting standards, especially in disadvantaged communities.
New Review to Slash Bureaucracy and Boost Transparency
Alongside the funding, the Government has released the Academies Regulatory and Commissioning Review. This blueprint aims to cut red tape, improve transparency in how schools join trusts, and help spread expertise across the sector to keep driving improvement.
Schools Systems Minister Baroness Barran, visiting Nottingham today, said:
“We know the best multi academy trusts deliver a great education and results for pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged and those with Special Education Needs or Disabilities.
They help teachers manage workload and create career opportunities by working as a family of schools. They spread their impact beyond their schools through teaching school hubs, shared curriculums, and optimising resources to reinvest in pupils.
We are delighted with this package which will scale up the impact of high-quality multi academy trusts and support the most disadvantaged pupils in the country, leveling up opportunities for all.”
Experts Back Drive to Protect Trust Freedom and Build Capacity
Education leaders have welcomed the reforms:
- Leora Cruddas CBE, chief exec of the Confederation of School Trusts, praised the focus on “simple, proportionate regulation” and the commitment to diverse trust models.
- Sir Martyn Oliver, CEO of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, called the review “timely and welcome,” highlighting the Department for Education’s responsive approach.
- Steve Bell, CEO of The Painsley Catholic Academy, said it promises a “simpler regulatory system” without losing academy freedoms.
- Mark Vickers MBE, CEO of Olive Academies, emphasised the need to support all children, including those with SEND, to reach their potential.
More Funding and Leadership Development Ahead
Along with the new announcements, the Government has published Trust Development Statements outlining local priorities to transform education. They back this with £86 million Trust Capacity Funding over three years and a Trust Establishment and Growth Fund for new projects.
Also, a MAT CEO development programme framework has been unveiled, outlining skills needed to lead large trusts effectively and ensure every child gets a top-quality education.
The next round of Trust Capacity Funding opens for applications on 3 April, inviting trusts across the country to step up and deliver better schooling for all pupils.
