Mansfield MP Ben Bradley MP welcomed news that Mansfield and Ashfield will be receiving a share of a £10m fund to drive school improvement in disadvantaged areas and to boost academic outcomes for young people – and pressed for more help during Department for Education Oral Questions on Monday.

The £10m, announced in May, will be invested to support four areas,  including Ashfield and Mansfield, where a low proportion of pupils go to Good or Outstanding schools and there is high potential for rapid improvement.

He said the investment would help local schools join strong trusts and drive up standards with the support of experienced school and trust leaders.

Ben then told the Secretary of State, the Rt. Hon Gavin Williamson MP, that “the other half of that conversation is perhaps about the non-academic side; the cultural enrichment, extra-curricular activities and raising aspiration.”

He asked the Secretary of State what opportunities exist for schools in Mansfield in this area.

“It was really positive to hear that the Education Secretary agrees with me that we also need to focus on the non-academic side of school if our kids are to fulfil their full potential. I’m pleased he’s keen to sit down with me soon so I can make him aware of Mansfield’s priorities and what support would benefit us locally,” said Ben.

“I am also pleased that I had the opportunity to welcome the news that Mansfield was selected to receive a share of the £10 million to drive school improvement and boost academic outcomes for young people. I’ve been fighting for funding for Mansfield’s schools since being elected and I’m grateful to Government for continuing to deliver on the commitment to level up the country with this locally targeted initiative.”