Karen Adam MSP Welcomes £43 Million Boost to Support Pupils Impacted by Poverty

Karen Adam, MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of a £43 million investment to help pupils affected by poverty succeed in their education and reach their full potential.

The funding, part of the £1.75 billion Scottish Attainment Challenge, will be distributed to local councils to support strategic work closing the poverty-related attainment gap. This will help schools strengthen their teaching teams through the recruitment of additional teachers, support staff, and family link workers, as well as enhanced professional learning opportunities for teachers and school leaders.

Across communities like Banffshire and Buchan Coast, this investment will help ensure that children, no matter their background, have access to the support they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Karen Adam MSP said:

“Every child deserves the chance to reach their potential, no matter their family’s income or circumstances. This investment will make a real difference for young people here in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, supporting schools to provide extra help where it’s needed most.

I’ve seen the incredible work our local teachers and support staff do every day, often going above and beyond to ensure pupils feel supported and valued. By continuing to invest in education and close the poverty-related attainment gap, the Scottish Government is backing that dedication with real action, giving every young person the opportunity to succeed and build a brighter future.”

The announcement coincides with the publication of a new report showing that the Scottish Government’s ongoing work to close the attainment gap is having a positive impact on children and young people’s education and wellbeing.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

“Closing the poverty-related attainment gap is a vital part of our commitment to eradicate child poverty in Scotland. When more children are given a chance to succeed through education, the more we accelerate our progress in reaching this goal.

The report published today shows that pupils are going to school feeling confident and enjoying their studies. That’s been achieved by empowering headteachers to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of children and young people. The latest exam data also shows the deprivation gap narrowing at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels,  and the funding announced today will help build on that progress.”

The £43 million funding is being provided through the Strategic Equity Fund as part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge. It will help strengthen outcomes for pupils impacted by poverty, improve educational attainment, and promote fairness and opportunity across Scotland’s schools.

Karen Adam added:

“We know education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change lives and break cycles of poverty. This continued investment means that even in our rural and coastal areas, our young people can be supported to reach their goals and shape a fairer, more equal future for everyone.”