40 schools chosen for £20m improvement scheme

40 struggling schools in Wales have been announced to benefit from a £20m Welsh Government scheme aimed at driving up standards.

The Schools Challenge Cymru Programme, launched in February, replicates previous schemes in London and Manchester, and will see advisers help underperforming schools, with targeted support, and partnerships with high-performing schools to benefit from expertise.

Read More: £20m scheme to support underperforming schools

Education Minister Huw Lewis said: "These schools have been chosen as we believe they have the potential to make swift and lasting improvements. The knowledge and expertise that is needed to improve already exists within the Welsh education system and we must exploit it."

“We must drive up educational standards in Wales for all our learners, raising levels of literacy and numeracy and, in so doing, breaking the link between educational attainment and poverty. Today’s announcement is a major step forward in making that happen.”