NEWS that schools in Devon will receive a total of just over £5-million to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, has been welcomed by a leading Liberal Democrat councillor.

West Devon Borough Cllr Alison Clish-Green said: 'It is a shocking fact that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are three times less likely to achieve five good GSCEs than their more well-off classmates.

'Education is the best way to end the underachievement of disadvantaged pupils through supporting children comprehensively from early years straight through to secondary school.

'The amount is more than expected and will make an even bigger difference for our children.'

The original plans for an extra £430 per pupil have been boosted by £100-million, meaning that every school in Devon will now get almost £500 for every child on free school meals.

The news was announced by Liberal Democrat Children and Families Minister Sarah Teather, who said the total Pupil Premium funding for next year would rise to £1.25-billion, double the amount in 2011-12. It will rise again each year until 2014-15 when it will be worth £2.5-billion, say the Liberal Democrats.