£43 million to tackle attainment gap.
Pupils impacted by poverty will receive further support to
succeed in their studies through a continued £43 million
investment this year.
The Scottish Government funding will be distributed to local
councils for strategic approaches to closing the poverty-related
attainment gap. This will provide support to schools through the
recruitment of additional teachers, support staff and family link
workers, as well as enhanced professional learning for teachers
and school leaders.
The funding is part of the £1.75 billion Scottish Attainment
Challenge which has been running for the past decade and forms a
key part of the Scottish Government's commitment to ensure every
child has the opportunity to reach their full potential,
regardless of background.
The funding announcement coincides with a newly-published report
highlighting how the Scottish Government's work to close the
poverty-related attainment gap is having a positive impact on
children and young people's education and overall wellbeing.
Education Secretary announced the funding at the
Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES)
conference today.
Ms Gilruth said:
“Closing the poverty-related attainment gap is a vital part in
our commitment to eradicate child poverty at Scotland. When more
children are given a chance to succeed through education, the
more we accelerate our progress in reaching this goal.
“The report published today demonstrates how our ongoing
investment continues to deliver for Scotland's schools – it
demonstrates that pupils are going to school feeling confident
and enjoying their studies. That has been achieved by empowering
headteachers to deliver bespoke solutions that meet children and
young people's needs.
“The latest exam data also shows us that this is translating into
results, with the deprivation gap narrowing at National 5, Higher
and Advanced Higher level over the past year. It is important
that we continue to build on this progress, and the funding
announced today will do exactly that.”
Background
The £43 million is being provided this year through the Strategic Equity Fund.
The Attainment Scotland Fund Evaluation Case Study Research has
today been published alongside a Children and Young People's
Research Briefing.
The 2025 Pupil Equity Funding
Report sets out how Pupil Equity Funding is improving
outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty.
