Southend schools are toasting a £197,000 budget boost to bolster pupils' skills.

Staff are gearing up to launch an exciting package of after-school projects, thanks to the latest round of handouts from the New Opportunities Fund.

The biggest winner was Southend's music service which received more than £100,000 to spearhead a range of performing arts activities out of school hours.

The Eastwood School in Leigh was awarded £32,742 to broaden its after-school study support programme.

The pioneering scheme will help pupils develop reading, writing and information and communication technology skills.

Further support will also be offered through an extensive mentoring scheme aimed at raising self-esteem and confidence among pupils.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School secured £11,015 from the fund to create a drama workshop, homework club and hi-tech after-school computer sessions.

Des Tallon, deputy headteacher of the school, in Windermere Road, Southend, said: "Our bid had three strands - we wanted to offer pupils the opportunity to develop drama and information technology skills and offer a suitable environment where they could do their work."

Belfairs High School in Highlands Boulevard, Leigh won £31,122 to extend its programme of out-of-school activities with a breakfast club for year seven pupils. The move is designed to ensure a smooth transition between primary and secondary education.

Barons Court Infant and Nursery School in Avenue Road, Westcliff, received £11,000 for a creative arts project on Saturdays to improve learning skills, self-esteem and self-discipline of pupils.

Hamstel Junior School in Hamstel Road, Southend, will be able to expand its existing arts and leisure clubs to create an active learner club, thanks to its £11,000 handout. A homework club, a drop-in study centre and technology tuition courses will be launched.

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