Pupils at eight Thanet schools are set to benefit from a major new government programme to increase access to activities including sport, music, engineering, debating, volunteering, and outdoor learning.
More than 400 schools in disadvantaged communities across England have been offered tailored support backed by £22.5 million through the government’s Enrichment Expansion Programme. The funding is part of the Government’s wider commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of where they live, can access high-quality opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Thanet schools receiving funding from the programme are: Hartsdown Academy, The Royal Harbour Academy, St Anthony’s School, Charles Dickens School, Stone Bay School, Ursuline College, St George’s Church of England Foundation School, and King Ethelbert School.
Since being elected in 2024, Polly has campaigned hard for more access to creative subjects in state schools, including chairing parliament’s cross-party group for Art, Craft and Design in Education. As Chair, she helped secure major changes to the national curriculum that will re-introduce a stronger focus on creative subjects.
Welcoming the funding, Polly said every child should have access to creative and enriching subjects in schools, and not just the privileged few.
She said:
“Creativity, sport, and outdoor activities are hugely beneficial to young people’s mental health and wellbeing. But they also build key skills that prepare our kids for adult life and the world of work that so many are currently missing out on. I’m delighted the government has listened to my campaign and is investing in putting creativity, arts, and physical activities back at the heart of education.
”Creativity and the arts should never just be for those who can afford them. With this investment in local schools, young people in Thanet will now all be able to learn and thrive through creative subjects, no matter their background.”
More information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-enriching-activities-for-hundreds-of-thousands-of-children