Northamptonshire schools reveal how they spent £1 million pot from council

Teachers and pupils involved with the “Race To The Top” projects aimed at raising pupil aspirations and educational outcomes will come together next week to showcase their work.

The projects, involving more than 100 schools, received a share of £1 million made available by Northamptonshire County Council as part of its drive to boost pupil performance and attainment levels in Northamptonshire.

The projects include masterclasses for high achieving pupils to help them reach their full potential, a literacy scheme to encourage a love of reading and books, and an after-school learning hub.

Schools have been invited to a special celebration event taking place on Monday, July 11th at Wicksteed Park to present the impact of their projects and share their work.

County council chairman, Councillor Jim Harker said: “Our Race To The Top strategy is all about encouraging pupils to aim high and achieve the very best they can, and these projects have really encapsulated that sense of aspiration.

“From careers workshops to after-school clubs, the 22 projects have brought together more than 100 schools to challenge pupils and inspire them to excel.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the range of projects undertaken and I’m very much looking forward to hearing about the impact they’ve had on our children and young people.”

The county council’s Race To The Top strategy has been praised by Chancellor George Osborne and Lord Heseltine for its approach towards raising educational outcomes.

The strategy encourages schools to strive for excellence by inviting top-performing schools to share good practice, offering grants and bursaries to schools seeking to improve, and working with businesses to provide mentoring and work placement opportunities.

Formal evaluation of the projects will be carried out by the University of Northampton.

To find out more about the Race To The Top school improvement strategy, visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/racetothetop.