Government to give pupils from poor backgrounds cash to get them into higher education

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Over 1,500 pupils aged 14 and 15 from London, the Black Country and Greater Manchester, will be offered £400 to spend on after-school clubs and activities as part of the City Challenge programmes.

All of those set to benefit from the City Challenge scheme are pupils who are eligible for free school meals.

City Challenge: Clever youngsters will be given a chance to go on to university

They will also be given access to university-led activities, guidance and mentoring.

Schools minister Lord Andrew Adonis said: 'The extra funding will help unlock the talents and potential of all our young people, ensuring that a university education is an option for everyone.

Extra help: Lord Adonis said the plan would help unlock talent

'For many disadvantaged pupils, poverty of aspiration can be the biggest obstacle and there may be financial pressures pushing them towards early employment.

'In addition, students who do choose to attend university may not set their sights high enough.'

A series of summer schools run by 37 universities, including Cambridge and seven other elite Russell Group institutions will be expanded to offer more places to students this year.

There will be 21,882 places compared to an average of 5,478 in the previous three years.

The courses will include masterclasses in forensic science and creative workshops.

Lord Adonis added: 'The big increase in summer schools demonstrates our successful partnership with universities to raise the aspirations of gifted and talented students.'