Plan for specialist primary schools

Thirty-four UK primary schools are to become specialist in the way many secondary schools are now, in a pilot scheme beginning next term.

The will each focus on either music, modern languages, science, sport or art, with the aim of raising test results.

Clusters of suitable schools were identified to the Department for Education and Skills (DFES) by local authorities, and each group will receive an initial £10,000, plus £65 per pupil for four years, £25,000 in sponsorship and £50,000 in capital funding.

A spokeswoman from the DFES said: “Having a specialism provides a school with a strong focus that raises standards across the whole curriculum and offers children new opportunities to realise their potential.”