Community Supports Disadvantaged Pupils

Communities in the Exeter area have come together to raise money and buy devices for school children.

12:17 25 November 2020

Various individuals, organisations and businesses have come together to raise money for disadvantaged children across the Exeter area. In just 10 days, £30,000 has been raised to buy devices for Cranbrook Education Campus's students who are at most risk of falling behind in their education due to the pandemic. 

 

The fantastic display of unity follows a research showing that 5per cent of children in Exeter's primary schools don't have access to broadband and 12per cent don't have the access to a suitable device for learning. 

 

Glenn Woodcock, chair of the Education Recovery Group, said: ‘We’re delighted to have already delivered the first devices to schools in the city. Massive thanks to all that have donated to this extremely valuable cause, from individuals to local businesses. This coming together of our community is really something very special, of which we should all be very proud.’

 

Rachel Shaw, chief executive of Exeter Learning Academy Trust, said they were thrilled with the support that all of the city’s schools had received through the appeal. She added: 'I had the pleasure of popping into a school leaders’ meeting and telling them the good news, they were delighted that the city was working in this way to support their families. It’s not only showing our families how much the city cares but also giving our school leaders a real boost at time when they most need it.’

 

Teacher Ben Prosser, year 5 and 6 team leader and English lead at Exwick Heights Primary School, welcomed the donations, saying they would have a huge impact. He said: ‘I can really see that the attainment gap has drastically widened for disadvantaged pupils. It’s desperately unfair as those children already face adverse difficulties, and now their future has been impacted and put in jeopardy from missing such a large chunk of their education. If we can provide the pupils in need with devices, it will go a long way to reducing the gap, ensuring a better future for them and our community and city.’