The Government’s opportunity areas programme will be expanded to include a further six areas across England, the education secretary announced today.
There will also be a new £3.5m programme that will see the Education Endowment Foundation establish a research school for each of the 12 opportunity areas.
Speaking at the offices of PwC, Justine Greening emphasised the importance of education in improving social mobility and in preparing for Britain’s future outside of the European Union.
‘With our departure from the European Union, we will need to define an ambitious new role for ourselves in the world,’ she said.
‘For Britain to succeed we must be a country where everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and their hard work will allow.
‘Education is at the heart of that ambition, and is central to breaking down the barriers to social mobility that too many face in our country today.’
The education secretary identified six social mobility ‘cold spots’ last October and declared them ‘opportunity areas’ which would see local partnerships formed with early years providers, schools, colleges, universities, businesses, charities and local authorities.
The aim of the programme is to ensure children and young people are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for future success.
The six new areas, which will receive £72m from the department of education, include Bradford, Doncaster, Fenland & East Cambridgeshire, Hastings, Ipswich and Stoke-on-Trent.
‘Opportunity areas will help local children get the best start in life, no matter what their background,’ the education secretary said.
‘Ensuring all children can access high-quality education at every stage is critical.
‘We will focus not just on what we can do to help inside schools, but also create the opportunities outside school that will raise sights and broaden horizons for young people.’
