Schools across East Renfrewshire are to receive a £1.4million boost next year to help close the poverty-related attainment gap.

All 31 schools in the council area will benefit from the Pupil Equity Funding cash pot, with some receiving more than £100,000.

How the Scottish Government cash given to each school will be spent will be left up to teachers and school leaders in an attempt to address local issues affecting inequality.

Announcing the funding package, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Every child should have the best possible start in life, no matter their background. Schools have a significant role to play in ensuring every child is given the right support to help them achieve their full potential.

“The funding is targeted towards schools who have the highest numbers of pupils receiving free school meals, so that the money is spent on the children who need it most.”

East Renfrewshire’s share of Pupil Equity Funding for 2018/19 is £40,000 more than the 2017/18 total.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, chair of East Renfrewshire’s education committee, said: “We have seen an increase in Pupil Equity Funding this round and, hopefully, this will have a positive impact. Our headteachers are very experienced and knowledgeable about the local area and how to raise attainment.

“Their knowledge of our most vulnerable pupils is key to knowing how to best support their needs.”

Carlibar Primary, in Barrhead, will be the biggest beneficiaries of the funding, with the school banking £121,200.

St Mark’s Primary, also in Barrhead, and the Isobel Mair School, in Newton Mearns, will also receive more than £100,000 each.

Elsewhere, Barrhead High is to get £64,800, while St Luke’s High School will benefit to the tune of £68,400.

Primary schools in Neilston are also quids in, with St Thomas’ Primary and Neilston Primary getting £26,400 and £54,000 respectively.