Lambeth schoolchildren are set to benefit from a subsidy of more than £800,000, allocated to improve access to out-of-hours activities from April this year.
The £858,425 subsidy is designed to improve equal opportunities in schools so all pupils can take advantage of the extended services provided in their school, such as after-hour school clubs and holiday activities.
The subsidy forms part of a £26m scheme being rolled out across London on behalf of the Department for Children Schools and Families.
According to research by Newcastle University, 80 per cent of senior school leaders believe economically disadvantaged pupils struggle to afford extended services activities, while a recent survey by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) found 45 per cent of head teachers felt such pupils accessed extended services less than other pupils.
Hilary Emery, executive director of development and improvement at TDA, said: “Schools offering extended services are reaping the benefits, with many head teachers reporting pupils having increased motivation, better behaviour, improved attendance and higher levels of overall attainment."
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