SCHOOLS in East Cornwall are set to get a cash boost with the announcement of new fairer funding rules which will see an increase in money allocated per pupil.

The change follows the Government's plan for education to ensure schools are properly funded, so that all pupils, regardless of background, can reach their full potential.

Last week the Department for Education published its final per-pupil funding allocations for 2015-16 for all local areas. In 2014-15, the total funding for schools in Cornwall was £285-million. In 2015-16 that will rise by 1.7% to £289.9-million, with the amount spent per pupil rising to £4,472.

Schools Minister David Laws said: 'Schools are absolutely crucial to our vision to build a stronger economy and a fairer society so that everyone can reach their full potential.

'Without proper funding it's impossible to give children a fair start in life. That's why we are taking action to address the unfairness in school funding by allocating an additional £390-million to the least fairly funded areas in the country, while protecting schools budgets elsewhere.

'This is the biggest step towards fairer schools funding in a decade, meaning every local area will attract a minimum level of funding for its pupils and schools in 2015-16. Schools are also benefiting from an additional £2.5-billion of extra funding through the pupil premium to help raise attainment among the most disadvantaged pupils.'

Only 29 primary schools in the South West have won the 2015 Pupil Premium Award, one of which is Callington Primary School.

The Pupil Premium Awards reward school which are able to provide evidence of effective strategies to improve the achievement of disadvantaged pupils and show sustained improvement in raising their attainment. The pupil premium is extra funding schools receive for every disadvantaged pupil they teach.

Every school awarded the pupil premium has won £1,000 and eligible schools will now be invited to apply for prizes worth up to £100,000.

Head teacher at Callington Primary School Matthew Shirley said: 'We are very happy to have received the award. It's a reflection of the dedication of the staff, the support of the parents and the hard work of the children.'