Over £1 billion invested to support and improve attainment
Headteachers say the attainment of pupils experiencing poverty
has improved, thanks to over £1 billion of direct investment from
the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government's flagship policy has provided
headteachers with direct additional funding to help support
children and young people.
Schools have used the extra funding in a variety of
different ways. The latest report looking at the impact of
Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) found that it has helped schools
employ up to 3,000 additional staff to support children and young
people's attainment and wellbeing. This has included extra staff
employed to support families, such as income maximisation
officers, as well as support for pupil wellbeing from the third
sector. The report also highlights how the targeted
investment has supported better attendance, attainment, and
relationships between schools, families and pupils.
Education Secretary visited St Ignatius Primary
School in Wishaw to hear directly about how the school is using
Pupil Equity Funding.
Ms Gilruth said:
“Pupil Equity Funding has played a crucial role in our mission to
ensure that children and young people impacted by poverty are
given the opportunity to succeed. Since launching in 2017, we
have invested over £1 billion in the programme, with targeted
support now reaching a majority of schools across Scotland.
“Each school has its own unique challenges when it comes to
closing the poverty-related attainment gap, which is why we have
put our trust in headteachers to develop solutions which meet the
needs of their own pupils. I have been very impressed by the
creativity shown by teachers – from supporting imagination in
writing, to outdoor educational trips to improve confidence,
wellbeing and relationships.
“The latest survey report indicates the hugely positive impact
that this direct investment is making - with Scotland recording
its lowest poverty-related attainment gap on record for literacy
in primary schools. Pupil Equity Funding is also ensuring that
more children and young people impacted by poverty are entering
work, training or further study after leaving school. We are also
taking further steps to tackle child poverty through education,
including through funding early learning and childcare, free
school meals and the delivery of free breakfast clubs.”
Background
Pupil Equity Funding 2025
Report | Scottish Attainment Challenge | Learning in Scotland |
Education Scotland
