SCHOOLS in Comet country will benefit from millions of pounds in extra funding next year to help disadvantaged children reach their “full potential”.

The money will come from the Pupil Premium scheme, a Government policy which awards money to schools depending on how many of their pupils come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Stevenage schools will receive an extra �2.92m in the 2013/14 academic year, Hitchin pupils will get an additional �729,900, and Letchworth GC schools are set for a �722,700 boost.

Baldock schools will also receive extra funding, in the form of �323,100.

County councillor and Stevenage Liberal Democrats leader Robin Parker said: “For too long, social background has been a major deciding factor in a child’s chances for the future. I am proud that Liberal Democrats are helping every school student in Stevenage to reach their full potential.

“The money does not just help the poorest children. It helps every child. Fewer children falling behind means less disruption in class and a better education for everyone.”

Pupil Premiums cover any primary or secondary school pupil who has been registered for free school meals in the last six years. In 2013/14 it will be worth �900 per pupil, up from �600 this year.

The scheme will see Marriotts School in Stevenage benefit to the tune of �259,200, while the Barclay School will get �195,300.

Letchworth GC’s Highfield School is to receive �191,700, with �157,500 going to Knights Templar School in Baldock.

And The Priory School in Hitchin will benefit from an additional �134,100.

“The money can be used by each individual school as that school sees best for each child, for extra tuition, better IT resources or specialist help,” said Cllr Parker.

“Liberal Democrats in government are repairing the damage to the nation’s finances left by the last Labour government, and trying to build a strong economy and a fair society where everyone has the opportunity to get ahead. “To do that we need to make sure that children are not held back by poverty or disadvantage.”

*To see how much your school will get, click on the link above right.