OKEHAMPTON College has received a £5,000 grant from the Devonshire Freemasons to help improve outcomes for children vulnerable to underachievement in the school.

The grant is part of a much larger one of £240,000 being given by the Freemasons to 53 schools in England and Wales to allow them to take part in charity Achievement for All’s award-winning Achieving Schools programme.

It aims to help the one in five children which research suggests are currently being failed by the UK education system.

Vicky Thornton, assistant principal at Okehampton College, said: ‘We are delighted to receive this support from the Devonshire Freemasons and Achievement for All.

‘We are committed to providing the best education for all our pupils and are excited that we will be working with a dedicated coach to support our teachers to improve the outcomes for the children and young people in our school.’

The grant from the Devonshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Dr Reuben Ayres, Provincial Grand Charity Steward of the Devonshire Freemasons, said: ‘We are very pleased to be able to help Achievement for All with their excellent programme at Okehampton College. Developing children’s core strength and resilience can improve confidence and engage children in learning.

‘By supporting these pupils now we can play an important part in helping them make the most of their education and developing themselves for a successful future.’