An overwhelming majority of eligible secondary schools in England
have signed up to host a summer school over the holidays,
offering a mixture of academic and extra-curricular activities to
boost catch up for children.
New figures show 2820 secondary schools have signed up to
participate, which is equivalent to three quarters (74%)of those
eligible, and the scheme has been backed by over £200 million
investment from the Department for Education.
More than 500,000 students are expected to benefit from high
quality, face-to-face learning over the summer holiday period,
helping pupils catch up on pivotal education lost through the
pandemic.
The summer school programme is helping schools deliver a range of
academic and enrichment activities, providing pupils not only
with vital maths and English lessons, but also skills to build
confidence, friendships and improve wellbeing.
The summer schools programme is part of the Government’s
ambitious, and long-term education recovery plan which includes
an investment to date of over £3bn and a significant expansion of
our tutoring programme, to support children and young people to
make up for learning lost during the pandemic.
Schools Minister, , said:
“It’s very good to see so many children will now have the
opportunity to enjoy clubs and activities this summer, building
friendships and supporting their mental and physical health,
alongside their educational progress.”
“We have invested £3 billion so far in helping children catch up
ahead of the next academic year and summer schools are an
integral part of the overall effort to recover from the
disruption caused by the pandemic.”
Schools have the freedom to target their summer school programme
at children most in need of catch up. This includes targeting
children with special needs, those from disadvantaged backgrounds
and those entitled to free school meals. Special schools and
alternative provision schools have been funded at a higher rate
to reflect the needs of children.
Wellbeing activities planned by schools include theatre trips,
sports sessions, team games, sit down sessions with authors,
cooking and more.
Incoming Year 7 students will predominantly be encouraged to get
involved, to help them navigate the important transition between
primary and secondary school.
