§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on support for school improvement. [138371]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisWe have set challenging targets for all schools, backed with increased resources. All schools receive School Improvement Grant—£290 million this year. We are targeting additional resources on schools facing the greatest challenges. The Excellence in Cities programme is already having a very significant impact. From April next year, all secondary schools with fewer that 25 per cent. of pupils achieving 5 GCSEs A*-C will receive more resources to back their plans to raise attainment.