EASTBOURNE MP Caroline Ansell has welcomed the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, which she says ‘had a very welcome local angle to it.’
“East Sussex is one of 55 areas across the country to be given Education Investment Area status.
The initiative will support and help children from all backgrounds to succeed at the very highest levels.
In practical terms, this means the Department for Education will offer retention payments to help schools keep the best teachers in the highest priority subjects.
New specialist sixth-form free schools will be set up where there is limited provision to ensure talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the highest standard of education.
The investment areas are part of a new national mission to ensure that 90% of children leaving primary school in England are reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths by 2030.
In 2019, just 65% of pupils met all three standards with big variations across the country.
Attendance problems will also be addressed.
As a former teacher – now back in the classroom on a Friday to help with staff shortages – I know that the ultimate way to improve lives, to escape poverty and to fulfil everyone’s potential is through good education.
These investment areas are a vital part of the levelling agenda. Without top-quality education, this country will struggle on the world stage because we will not be able to find the young people with the skills we need to compete.
I am now awaiting details of the investment area will help Eastbourne.”