10.02.14
Challenge Cymru to boost Welsh schools
The poorest performing schools in Wales will benefit from £20m a year funding and targeted support to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Schools Challenge Cymru is based on pilots from London and Manchester, which helped schools to improve by sharing expertise with the best-performing schools.
Up to 40 schools will be selected and monitored from September, education minister Huw Lewis announced.
Lewis said: “The Challenge we’ve announced today learns from the lessons of London and Manchester, but with a Welsh twist – unique to Wales with Welsh pupils at its heart.
“I've called this a challenge for a reason. Today, I'm issuing a challenge to school leaders, senior teachers, consortia, governors and even learners. It's a challenge to improve.
“We know school performance needs to get better and we're taking the actions needed to make this happen. Schools Challenge Cymru will support this; after all, our young people deserve nothing less than the best.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “If we're to raise standards and performance in education in Wales across the board we need to boost attainment levels of schools which are underperforming and we know could do better.
“It's going to be a real game changer, providing a generous package of tailored support to help them realise their potential.”
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