£1bn injection into Pupil Equity Funding shows results

Headteachers in Scotland, following over £1 billion investment from the government, say that the attainment of their pupils that are experiencing poverty has improved. 

This extra funding has been used in a variety of ways, with the latest report looking at the impact of Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) found the tit has helped schools hire up to 3,000 additional staff to support children and young people's academic progress and wellbeing.

Extra staff have been employed to help families, like income maximisation officers, as well as third sector wellbeing support for students. The report also highlights how the targeted investment has encouraged better attendance, attainment, and relationships between schools, families and pupils.

Scottish education secretary Jenny Gilruth visited St Ignatius Primary School in Wishaw to see the impacts of the Pupil Equity Funding. She 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.”