low graphics version | feedback | help
| Front Page World UK UK Politics Business Sci/Tech Health |
| Education |
| Features How the Education Systems Work |
| Sport Entertainment Talking Point In Depth AudioVideo |
Booster classes brought forward
 It is hoped extra classes will improve test scores |
New booster classes in the basics for older primary school children could start as early as the New Year.
The Education Secretary, David Blunkett has brought forward the release of �50 million in government cash which was to have been available from next Easter to fund extra classes in English and maths.
They will be aimed at older primary school children who will be taking national curriculum tests next year, having had exposure to only a year of the government's national literacy strategy, and less in numeracy.
Mr Blunkett made the announcement at a London conference where he congratulated 350 primary school head teachers whose schools did well in Wednesday's league tables.
The extra money is on top of �170m due to be spent in the next financial year promoting numeracy and literacy in primary schools.
Mr Blunkett said the performance tables showed the improvements which could be achieved, but he said there was no room for complacency.
"Although these results are good, there is still a long way to go. As we approach the next century and the new millennium, there can be no greater cause than raising standards."
| Search BBC News Online | |
|  Advanced search options | |
| |
 | |
 | |
| |
 | BBC RADIO NEWS |
| |
| |
 | BBC ONE TV NEWS |
| |
| |
| WORLD NEWS SUMMARY |
| |
| |
| |
| |
 | PROGRAMMES GUIDE |
| |
See also: | |
 | |
 | 08 Dec 99 | Education |
| Primary schools making progress |
| |
| 12 Jul 99 | Education |
| Extra money in chase to reach test targets |
| |
| 18 Aug 99 | Education |
| Booster classes in countdown to numeracy drive |
| |
| |
Internet links: | |
| |
| Department for Education and Employment |
| |
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites | |
Links to other Education stories are at the foot of the page.
E-mail this story to a friend