TEACHERS from schools in East Lancashire are setting out to tackle educational disadvantage.

The two-year Teaching Leaders Fellows Programme will see educators receive intensive coaching and training to make them confident middle leaders in a bid to transform student results within their schools.

It comes as statistics show that children receiving free school meals in Lancashire are 50 per cent less likely to achieve five A* to C grades at GCSE as those from higher income families.

And 28 per cent of young people with no qualifications tend to spend more than 12 months not in education, employment or eraining compared to 1 per cent of their peers.

The scheme to challenge this involves 156 teachers from across the North West, including Caroline Pearson, head of English at The Hollins Technology College, in Accrington.

She said: “This academic year, as an English department, we have focused on raising the attainment of free school meal pupils via interventions such as extra support and revision classes.

“This intervention has proved successful, but I am looking forward to Teaching Leaders giving me some inspiration to try new and creative initiatives to engage and motivate students further. I am also hoping to be challenged to try different approaches to increase levels of progress in disadvantaged pupils.

“I'm really looking forward to receiving a wealth of input from a variety of experts on how to raise the attainment of under-privileged pupils.

“What is more, it is exciting I will be able to share best practice from across the TL network with colleagues at school and vice-versa.”

Teachers from Witton Park High school, in Blackburn, Shuttleworth College, Unity College and Sir John Thursby Community College, all in Burnley, Marsden Heights Community College, in Nelson, and Colne Park High School are also taking part in the educational scheme.

James Toop, chief executive at Teaching Leaders, said: “More than one in five children in the UK live in severe poverty.

“For them the link between education and life chances is profound.

“That is why tackling educational disadvantage is important.

“Middle leaders are the powerhouse of any school.

“ So giving them the skills to inspire their teams and students to aim higher is key to unlocking potential and breaking the cycle for future generations.”