FOUR Middlesbrough primary schools are to receive a £1,000 prize for their work in improving the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.
The schools – St Edwards, Acklam Whin, Sacred Heart and Captain Cook – have been honoured in the national Pupil Premium Awards 2015 on the back of Key Stage 2 results.
The Pupil Premium Awards reward schools which are able to provide evidence of effective strategies to improve the achievement of disadvantaged pupils and show sustained improvement in raising their attainment since 2011.
Now the four Middlesbrough schools will be invited to apply for prizes from the fund worth up to £100,000.
Councillor Jan Brunton, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Education and Skills, said: “I would like to congratulate all four Middlesbrough schools on receiving this prize. It demonstrates their strong commitment to helping our disadvantaged young people fulfil their potential over a sustained period of time.
“I commend the dedication of teachers, staff and governors of the schools, but most importantly the pupils themselves for their hard work and achievements.”
Schools Minister David Laws said: “I would encourage all of the primary schools who have received a £1,000 prize to share their achievements with other schools so they can learn from their strengths and experience.
“I hope all schools will continue to learn from this excellent practice and ensure they are using their pupil premium effectively, so that they too may be in the running for a prize in 2016.”
Nationally 430 schools have been awarded the £1,000 Pupil Premium Award prize.
The final prizes, of funding worth up to £100,000, will be awarded at a ceremony hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in March next year.