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<p>Educational achievement, irrespective of background, is at the heart of our commitment
to make this a country where everyone can go as far in life as their hard work will
take them.</p><p> </p><p>We recognise that children from poorer backgrounds may face
additional challenges to realising their potential. Accordingly, we have spent over
£13 billion since 2011, almost £2.5 billion this year alone, through the pupil premium
to provide schools with extra resources to overcome barriers to learning that children
from disadvantaged backgrounds can face. This complements our work to raise standards
through much-needed reform to school curriculum, assessment and accountability. Since
2011, against a background of rising standards, the disadvantage attainment gap in
England has narrowed by 10% at the end of both primary and secondary education.</p><p>
</p><p>We look to schools to use this extra funding effectively. Research shows that
a personalised approach, drawing on well-evidenced effective practice, generally produces
good results. We commissioned the research published by the National Foundation for
Educational Research and the Education Endowment Foundation to support school leaders’
decision-making. We have highlighted examples of effective practice through the national
Pupil Premium Awards.</p><p> </p><p>We know there is more to do and, through our £72
million Opportunity Areas programme, we are targeting local and national resource
in twelve areas facing social mobility challenges. We intend to drive up educational
achievement and improve social mobility for the children and young people who live
there. We will learn the lessons from this approach to share with other areas, so
that children growing up in areas facing similar challenges have an opportunity to
flourish and create a secure future for themselves.</p>
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