A North East school is helping its most gifted maths students excel thanks to a new bursary‑funded tech boost.
Consett Academy has received nearly £1,300 from UKSE, a business support subsidiary of Tata Steel, to purchase three Lenovo Thinkbooks for students enrolled in an advanced maths programme.
The funding comes from UKSE's 50th Anniversary Bursary Fund and aims to remove technology barriers for students taking part in the extra course.
Susan Hutchinson, who supports gifted and talented pupils at Consett Academy, said: "It’s fantastic that we’ve received almost £1,300 for these new laptops from UKSE, to support students in their studies.
"At Consett Academy, we are teaching advanced maths in connection with the Royal Grammar School.
"We also offer further maths as an A-level subject."
The advanced maths course requires additional study outside of regular GCSE work and is typically completed independently by students in their own time.
Without access to a suitable device at home, some students have been unable to take part in the programme.
The new laptops mean technology is no longer a barrier.
Any student excelling in maths can now enrol in the course regardless of their home circumstances.
Ms Hutchinson said: "This ensures pupils will not experience any barriers with technology when it comes to pursuing the additional course if they have the ability and they want to do it, and they will be able to realise their full potential in the subject."
The laptops will continue to benefit future cohorts, as they will be returned and remain specifically available for that subject.
Peter Taylor, business development manager at UKSE, praised the students’ commitment.
He said: "It is wonderful to see young people taking the initiative and investing the time in becoming the best that they can be in subjects that they have found they have a gift in.
"At UKSE, we are pleased to have been able to help these students access the advanced maths course, so they can work towards realising their full potential.
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"We wish the students well in their studies and hope it leads them onto great things in the future."
Launched to mark UKSE's 50th anniversary, the £50,000 bursary scheme supports educational and sporting ambitions across the UK.
The Consett Academy grant is one of several awards made in the North East to help remove barriers to learning for young people.
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