ISLAND MP Bob Seely says he is delighted the Isle of Wight has been identified as an ‘Education Investment Area’ by the government.

The news was announced today (Tuesday) by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi and Minister for Levelling up Communities and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch.

The Island is one of 55 locations in the UK to be identified as an Education Investment Area.

Investment, support, and action targeted to help children from all backgrounds and areas to succeed at the highest levels will be delivered.

Bob Seely said: “I’m delighted the Isle of Wight has been identified as an Education Investment Area.

“This is good news for our young people and important for the Island.

“The Island has historically suffered from a lack of investment. I've been making sure that is changing by continually lobbying ministers and highlighting the needs of the Island.

“Whilst we are technically part of the prosperous South East, our need, frankly, is greater.

“A critical part of our future success story will be rising educational achievement.

 “For too much of the last fifty years, the Island has been left behind. I am determined to see that we are ‘levelled up’ and not ‘left behind’.

“This is more evidence that the government and I are delivering for the Island.”

The Department for Education will offer retention payments in Education Investment Areas to help schools keep the best teachers in the highest priority subjects.

Schools will also be given support to address issues such as attendance, where they will be encouraged to join a new pilot programme to tackle the issue.

The Isle of Wight College has also been identified as a site for targeted government investment that will transform its buildings and facilities for future generations.

The college is one of 16 across England set to benefit from the £1.5 billion FE Capital Transformation Fund, which aims to rebuild and transform college estates and create modern, fit-for-purpose spaces that meet the needs of students and the communities they serve.