State Boarding Schools to be Expanded
State-funded boarding schools will be expanded in a bid to help children from vulnerable backgrounds and those with busy parents.Schools minister Lord Adonis said that over the next three years at least £10m would be spent on providing more provision.
The money will be used to accommodate the 50 per cent increase in applications for the current 5,000 places in England.
Under new plans, all state schools will be able to apply for a share of the cash, which will largely be spent on accommodation for children from broken homes, those with parents in the armed forces and pupils with mothers and fathers working abroad.
A number of academy schools are also being built with boarding facilities.
Lord Adonis said: "State boarding places are something we want to see expand over the next few years. There's certainly demand for them and they can, where appropriate, be a fantastic opportunity for vulnerable children.
"It can also be a vital aid for families who find 52-week, 24-hour care difficult. This is not for every child, however, and each case needs to be considered on its merits.
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