As pupils return from their summer holidays, local schools look set to benefit from £18 million through the Coalition Government’s Pupil Premium.

Local campaigner Richard Shaw outside Greenhill Primary School, which is to receive £96,300 this year from the Pupil Premium.

The Pupil Premium., which is a new fund introduced by Liberal Democrats in Government, is targeted to help schools support the most disadvantaged pupils.

The £18,129,000 represents a massive rise on the £11,414,000 Sheffield schools received in 2012/13 and the £6,500,000 local schools received in 2011/12.

The fund is worth £900 for each disadvantaged pupil and the spending of the fund is controlled by local headteachers. Schools have used the funds for catch-up classes, one-to-one tuition, or extra IT support – whatever teachers believe will best help the targeted pupils.

Cllr Colin Ross, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Education, said:

“Liberal Democrats are committed to building a stronger economy and a fairer society in Government. Helping disadvantaged pupils fulfill their potential is an excellent way of achieving that goal – which is why we put the Pupil Premium on the front page of our manifesto.

“I’m delighted that Nick Clegg has been able to deliver the pupil premium and as a result Sheffield schools will benefit from an additional £18 million this year. As pupils head back to school this week, I hope this fund can really start to bridge the attainment gap between the poorest and most affluent pupils in our city.”

Local campaigner for Beauchief & Greenhill ward, Richard Shaw said:

“It’s fantastic news for local parents and children that schools in Beauchief, Greenhill, Lowedges, Batemoor and Jordanthorpe will this year be receiving over £760,000 between them to help pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Improving primary and secondary education is key to improving a child’s opportunities when they grow up and helps the nation as a whole. The Liberal Democrats are building a stronger economy in a fairer society, enabling everyone to get on in life.”

See below the 2013/2014 Pupil Premium funding for local schools:

• Abbey Lane Primary School – £35,100
• Greenhill Primary School – £96,300
• Lowedges Primary School – £136,800
• Lower Meadow Primary School – £126,900
• Meadowhead School – £336,000
• Mossbrook School – £33,300
• St Thomas of Canterbury School – £18,900