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

Why districts should embrace reorganisation

By Cllr Dale Broughton | 08 September 2025

Craig Leyland, Nick Worth and Dale Broughton explain how the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership is shaping the future of local government through...

EDUCATION

Ahead of the curve on health

By Mubasshir Ajaz | 08 September 2025

Mubasshir Ajaz explains how the West Midlands is leading the charge to put health at the heart of policy.

EDUCATION

It's extremely unlikely that SEND transportation is a root cause of unsustainable spending

By Jonathan Holden | 04 September 2025

Claims about free taxis for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) being ‘used and abused' are wide of the mark, and focus should inst...

EDUCATION

New politics, new tensions

By Rob Whiteman | 02 September 2025

As Reform UK gathers this week for its annual conference, Rob Whiteman argues that with the party gaining control of some councils, local government must sup...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman