Title

EDUCATION

PM announces policies to support levelling up agenda

The Prime Minister has announced 57 local areas will share £830m to transform high streets as part of the Government's levelling up plans.

The Prime Minister has announced 57 local areas will share £830m to transform high streets as part of the Government's levelling up plans.

Boris Johnson has today announced details of policies designed to deliver better high streets, stronger schools and moving public sector jobs outside of London. 

Four local authorities - Plymouth, Ashfield & Mansfield, South Sefton & North Liverpool, and North Durham & City – will also be awarded £10m to help improve the quality of their teaching. These areas have been chosen as they less pupils in good or outstanding schools compared to the average.

Chief executive of Plymouth City Council, Tracey Lee, said: 'There are many challenges in improving the educational achievements for all children and young people in Plymouth, and we do not underestimate these. This initiative will support us in facing these head on and achieving our vision that all children and young people in the city are able to aspire and achieve and have a bright future.'

The Opportunity Areas programme will also receive a £18m funding boost to support young people from the most disadvantaged areas. This includes supporting pupils at risk of falling our of education and helping children improve in key subjects such as maths and English.

Mr Johnson said: 'As the country gets back on its feet, the Government has renewed its commitment to levelling up and tackling the issues that really matter to people.

'Making sure our children get the best possible education, transforming our town centres and correcting the regional imbalance of public sector roles – this is levelling up in action.'

Today, the Home Office and Business Department have announced plans to move nearly 3,000 jobs outside London and South East England by 2025.

Photo: Michael Tubi / Shutterstock.com

EDUCATION

Chancellor to give local leaders control over national taxes

By Paul Marinko | 17 March 2026

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised to give ‘local leaders’ control of some national taxes in a ‘permanent transfer of power and resources’ to regions.

EDUCATION

Government announces five pooled budgets pilots

By Ann McGauran | 17 March 2026

The Government has today announced details of pilots to test pooled budgets in five areas, ahead of setting out a vision for public service reform later this...

EDUCATION

Membership manoeuvres

By Paul Marinko | 11 March 2026

How are the groups representing councils positioning themselves to secure members as the pace of reorganisation increases? Paul Marinko reports.

EDUCATION

Reset or risk for SEND?

By William Burns | 05 March 2026

The Government’s long-awaited White Paper on major reforms to England’s SEND system is committed to significant intervention, pledging not only to fix this i...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman