HARLOW schools are to receive an extra £1m in funding thanks to the new Pupil Premium for children on free school meals.

The figure - £1,012,112 - has been finalised because there are 2,074 children on free school meals in the Harlow constituency.

The pupil premium for 2011-12 is allocated to local authorities and schools with pupils known to be eligible for free school meals in Year Groups R to Year 11 as recorded on the January 2011 School Census, Pupil Referral Unit Census and Alternative Provision Census.

Each pupil known to be eligible for free school meals attracts £488 of funding which will go to the school or academy via the local authority.

Mr Halfon said: "Children from low income families generally do not achieve as well as those from more advantaged backgrounds. This Premium will support them in reaching their potential and help schools reduce educational inequalities."

He added: "This funding is a massive boost for our local schools, and our children who deserve the best possible start in life."