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UK increases state boarding-school places

Liz Heron

More than 300 extra places will be created at state boarding schools in England after the British government pledged GBP15 million (HK$177.9 million) extra funding in two months, the sector's leaders say.

Five state boarding schools this week won GBP5 million from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and will set up 230 extra boarding places, according to the State Boarding Schools Association.

The move comes after the department announced in September an extra GBP10 million over three years for three state boarding schools to serve vulnerable children and those with parents in the British armed forces.

Association chairman Malcolm Lloyd said: 'The total number of places created will exceed 300 and this reflects the demand for boarding in the state sector. There has never been a better time to look at state boarding schools.

'Examination results are very impressive, the diversity is amazing and there are opportunities for both boys and girls across the country.

'There is flexibility including weekly and part-time boarding and the demand, especially for post-16 places, outstrips supply by five applicants for every place.'

Schools minister Sarah McCarthy-Fry said: 'State-funded boarding schools are a valuable resource for parents, which is why we are committed to expanding the availability of places and will continue to provide funding to schools where there is evidence of demand.'

There are 35 state boarding schools in Britain, where tuition is free and boarding costs are about GBP7,000 a year, far lower than the boarding school fees charged in the country's independent sector.

The British government announced two years ago that it would expand the sector to meet the needs of children from disadvantaged areas and encourage new city academies to set up boarding houses.

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