Extra support for Swindon schools in Government's levelling up agenda
Local MPs and a school comment on the news
Last updated 7th Feb 2022
Swindon has been identified as an education "cold spot" as part of the Government's levelling up agenda.
It means the town has been selected as one of the areas for target investment, support and action that the government say will help local children from all backgrounds and areas to succeed at the very highest levels.
Support includes:
- retention payments to help schools keep the best teachers in the highest priority subjects
- schools struggling with attendance will be encouraged to join a new pilot programme
- and prioritisation will be given for new specialist sixth-form free schools to ensure talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the highest standard of education this country offers
Families and caregivers of children with disabilities to receive support
Special educational needs and disability will be a "real focus of support", something Justin Tomlinson MP and Robert Buckland MP have said they are "hugely passionate about".
Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families and caregivers will be better supported with respite care and internship opportunities.
Councils will be funded £30 million for the next three years to set up more than 10,000 additional respite placements. This will help to provide positive opportunities for disabled children and young people and to give family carers a break so they can look after vulnerable children better in the long term.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "Since 2010, Robert and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that Swindon receives the best possible funding to improve education outcomes. In recent years, several local schools have seen significant improvements including Highworth Warneford & Abbey Park secondary schools.
"We have also secured new schools including the Great Western Academy, several new primaries, and the Churchward Special School.
"As somebody who went to a school that was bottom of the league tables, with many of my friends taking the wrong path, I am so pleased that Swindon will be a prioritised area when it comes to providing further opportunities & investment."
Swindon schools to be made a top priority
Robert Buckland MP added: "This is very good news for Swindon. The Government is committed to providing support for our local teachers, increasing skills and transforming education to give opportunities for the most disadvantaged.
"I particularly welcome the focus on support for SEND, something I have long campaigned for. Justin and I regularly visit our fantastic local schools, so I am glad we have been able to put Swindon at the top of the priority list."
Carole Kitching, Principal and CEO of New College Swindon, has also welcomed the news.
"New College Swindon welcomes the Levelling Up White Paper because we play such a central role in our community, in the labour market and in ensuring we support thousands of students each year to achieve their ambitions and improve their life chances, " she said.
Ms Kitching added: "We are pleased that our great town is an Education Investment Area and look forward to finding out more about the focus on expanding education and skills training.
"With our Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology (IoT) already running undergraduate programmes, we look forward to learning more about the opportunity to apply for the Royal Charter."
Swindon Borough Council has also been contacted for comment.