Schools sign up to boost education over the summer

A majority of eligible secondary schools in England have signed up to host a summer school over the holidays, offering a mixture of academic and extra-curricular activities to boost catch up for children over the holidays, the government has reported.

New figures show 2820 secondary schools have signed up to participate, which is equivalent to three quarters (74%) of those eligible in a scheme which has been backed by the Department for Education.

More than 500,000 students are expected to benefit from high quality, face-to-face learning over the summer holiday period, which the government hope will help pupils catch up on pivotal education lost through the pandemic.

The summer school programme is aimed at helping schools deliver a range of academic and enrichment activities, providing pupils not only with vital maths and English lessons, but also skills to build confidence, friendships and improve wellbeing.

The programme is part of the government’s long-term education recovery plan to support children and young people to make up for learning lost during the pandemic.

Schools minister, Nick Gibb, said: “It’s very good to see so many children will now have the opportunity to enjoy clubs and activities this summer, building friendships and supporting their mental and physical health, alongside their educational progress.

“We have invested £3 billion so far in helping children catch up ahead of the next academic year and summer schools are an integral part of the overall effort to recover from the disruption caused by the pandemic.”

Schools have the freedom to target their summer school programme at children most in need of catch up. This includes targeting children with special needs, those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those entitled to free school meals.

Special schools and alternative provision schools have been funded at a higher rate to reflect the needs of children.

Wellbeing activities planned by schools include theatre trips, sports sessions, team games, sit down sessions with authors, cooking and more. Incoming Year 7 students will predominantly be encouraged to get involved, to help them navigate the important transition between primary and secondary school.