SCHOOLS in Cumnock and Doon Valley will benefit from part of a £3.46m funding boost.

The Scottish Government’s pupil equity fund is aimed at improving attainment levels in deprived areas.

In Ballochmyle, Cumnock and Doon Valley, 23 schools will receive funding to help close the attainment gap in the area.

Auchinleck Academy is set to use some of the funding to recruit a mental health specialist to promote good mental health and help to raise attainment levels amongst pupils.

Commenting, Jeane Freeman MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said: “The SNP has made closing the attainment gap our priority in this parliament – and the latest investment of £3.46m in our schools and our children across East Ayrshire is a key part of that.

“Every child should have the best possible start in life, no matter their background – and the role that schools play in giving children the support they need is absolutely vital.

“That is why it is right that this significant investment to close the poverty-related attainment gap goes straight to head teachers – giving those with the most intimate knowledge of their schools the ability to develop initiatives to benefit children across East Ayrshire.

“And with 57 schools benefiting from this latest round of funding – following a similar significant investment last year – even more of our children are going to benefit from creative new initiatives that will help to tackle the attainment gap in our schools.”