CARLISLE MP John Stevenson is calling on the Chancellor to extend the pupil premium in the forthcoming spending review to level up the counties school schools.

Mr Stevenson is calling on the government to put in place an expanded pupil premium.

This extended funding would be targeted at all primary-age children from families whose household income falls under £24,400, benefitting 1.3 million more children, with northern regions receiving the most investment.

He believes that the changes will promote the governments levelling up agenda in the North of England by allowing all children better chances in education.

“The seismic changes delivered by the pandemic have created a unique opportunity to implement new policies in our schools for the benefit of all children, but particularly for those in the most disadvantaged communities. Issues over free meals and digital access have captured the nation’s attention, and schools’ efforts to keep children safe, well and learning have been widely praised.

"Cumbria has great schools and great teachers. But in spite of their best efforts, as is true across the north of England, many children here are trapped in a cycle of poor educational attainment. Through no fault of their own, they face a future of insecure, poorly paid employment. It’s bad for them, bad for the wider economy, and ultimately bad for their future children too. It’s a cycle that must be broken."