Vikki welcomes extra money for Schools Challenge Cymru in Welsh Government’s Budget

“I was pleased to see in the Budget proposals published today by the Welsh Government an additional £3.2 million to support transitional arrangements for Schools Challenge Cymru.

“This is an important initiative to help Welsh students achieve their potential, and schools that have taken part, like Pontypridd High School in my constituency, have spoken about the positive way it has boosted standards.

“After it was announced that the policy would end in March of 2017, I made representations to the Welsh Government to request that arrangements be put in place to extend the funding to the end of the academic year.

“I welcome this extra funding which will make sure that GCSE pupils in particular don’t lose out from the premature ending of Schools Challenge Cymru funded initiatives in the crucial last few weeks before GCSEs in May.

“I also welcome the assurances from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, that the positive lessons drawn from Schools Challenge Cymru will indeed be utilised in future educational policy”.