PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed a further funding boost for school children through the Pupil Premium.

The borough of Pendle has been allocated £4.1million for 2014/15 to help pupils achieve their full potential.

The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools so they can support disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers.

Nationally, the funding will rise to £2.5 billion in 2014/15, with £1,300 for primary pupils and £935 for secondary pupils.

Mr Stephenson: “This is excellent news for disadvantaged pupils and their families in Pendle and will give local schools the support they need to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, can fulfil their potential.

“This is further confirmation that, despite the economic mess that we inherited from Labour, this Government has found the funds to give support to those who need it most to help them get on in life.”