Minister says premium cash is well spent

Mr Laws was at the Kirkby school to learn more about how pupil premium funding was closing the gap between mainstream and disadvantaged children.

Said Mr Laws: “This is a dynamic school that is making a real difference in Ashfield.

“What is clear is that the Pupil Premium has helped this outstanding school thrive.”

Mr Vasey said the extra government funding, which is awarded for pupils who qualify for free school meals or are looked after children, had helped pay for Key Stage 3 literacy and numeracy programmes and group intervention work with Year 10 and 11 students.

He added: “This recent work has helped us highlight disadvantaged children.”