Seven schools across Scarborough and Whitby will share in a £22.5 million government investment designed to boost extracurricular activities and help young people develop new skills.
Extracurricular opportunities will expand for students at seven schools across Scarborough and Whitby.
A share of a £22.5 million national investment will fund the Enrichment Expansion Programme locally, which aims to help young people build confidence, uncover new talents, and foster a sense of belonging.
The initiative will connect participating schools with local sports clubs, cultural organisations, charities, and community groups. Education officials hope this will improve pupil engagement and provide high-quality opportunities both inside and outside the school gates.
Work with the selected schools will begin in January 2027 and run until March 2029.
The educational settings invited to join the programme include George Pindar, Graham, Woodlands Academy, Scalby, Whitby, Brompton Hall, and Westwood Academy.
The scheme forms part of a wider government drive to ensure children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs are not excluded from experiences that help them thrive.
The programme is being delivered by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in partnership with the Department for Education. By supporting schools to broaden access to extracurricular activities, the initiative aims to help young people build lasting friendships and engage in positive real-world experiences beyond the classroom.
This latest announcement follows recent confirmation that a pioneering programme called Mission Coastal is also being piloted in the area, following campaigning in Westminster.
Speaking about the announcement, Alison Hume MP said:
"Seven schools in Scarborough and Whitby have been invited to join the enrichment expansion programme, EEP, and that's going to help deliver activities that help young people develop confidence, discover new talents and build a sense of belonging. And this is a 22.5 million pound investment. Seven schools in Scarborough and Whitby is significantly above what other areas have received and I believe that this is a recognition of the needs of our coastal communities and our deprived areas to ensure that every child has the same opportunity to thrive no matter what background that they were born into and I feel passionately about that. So work with schools is going to begin in January 2027 and continue until March 2029."
Welcoming the inclusion of the local schools, Ms Hume added:
"Every young person in Scarborough and Whitby deserves the chance to find something they love, build their confidence and discover what they're capable of. Whether through sport, music, volunteering or other activities, these experiences can make a real difference to the rest of a young person’s life. That's why I'm delighted that schools in our area have been invited to take part in this programme. It's a positive investment in our young people, helping ensure more children, including those who might otherwise miss out, can develop new skills and broaden their horizons."
Ms Hume stated that the investment represents a commitment to ensuring equal access to the arts and physical education for all pupils.
She said:
"This government understands the importance of drama, dance, music and sport in children’s development. We are determined to give children equal opportunities to access. I’m so pleased that the need for investment in Scarborough and Whitby has been recognised and thrilled for the children who will benefit."
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