£2m for East Ayrshire to close attainment gap

Primary and secondary schools in East Ayrshire will receive more than £2 million for projects to close the attainment gap this year.

The funding will support measures to improve literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing in schools with pupils who live in areas of deprivation.

East Ayrshire became one of Scotland’s nine challenge authorities this summer. It will receive £998,917 for attainment projects in primary schools, and £1,038,406 for secondary schools.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“Delivering equity and excellence across Scotland’s education system is the Scottish Government’s defining mission. I am firmly committed to substantially closing the gap in the attainment of pupils from our most and least deprived areas during the lifetime of this parliament.

“The funding I have confirmed for East Ayrshire is part of the additional £750 million we will make available over five years to support schools to close the attainment gap.

“It will enable the area’s primary and secondary schools to improve literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing through a range of tailored projects.

“This builds on our existing work with challenge authorities and schools across the country to ensure no child or young person in Scotland is held back because of their background."