Suffolk to benefit from investment in education as Matt Hancock calls for 'world class education system'

Suffolk has been announced as one of 55 Education Investment Areas to boost pupil attainment.

Revealed in the Government's Levelling Up agenda, Suffolk has been identified as one of 55 'cold spots' where school outcomes are the weakest.

Part of the plans will see the Department of Education offer retention payments to help schools keep their best teachers in the highest priority subjects.

Suffolk will also be prioritised as a location for new specialist sixth-form free schools for talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Schools in the 55 'cold spots' judged less than Good in successive Ofsted inspections could be moved into multi-academy trusts.

A new national mission has been set to ensure that 90 per cent of children leaving primary school in England are reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths by 2030.

Several other initiatives have also been proposed, including the £560 million National Youth Guarantee, and an extra £200 million investment in the Supporting Families programme, helping create strong, stable families where children thrive.

The plans in the Government's Levelling Up white paper have been welcomed by West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock.

"Suffolk is a wonderful place to live and deserves a world class education system," the former Health Secretary said.

“This much needed support that Suffolk is receiving from the Government will help us retain the best teachers here, and is earmarked for new specialist sixth form free schools to give talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds the highest standard of education.

“It’s all about helping every child in our county reach their potential. I look forward to working with Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi and Rachel Hood at Suffolk County Council to get the best we can from this very welcome investment.”

Councils in the investment areas will also be funded £30 million over the next three years to give children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) better support with respite care and internship opportunities.

Councillor Rachel Hood, portfolio holder for Education, SEND & Skills at Suffolk CountyCouncil said: “This is excellent news. The overall standards of achievement in Suffolk need to be improved for our children and young people and this is a real opportunity to improve education across the county.”