Budget 2011 Education: Building skills and knowledge

Education spending has been boosted to a record $12.2 billion in 2011/12, with an extra $1.4 billion over four years. The National-led Government has now invested $4.4 billion more in education since 2009.

Early childhood education gets an increase of $550 million over four years, and will focus on helping increase participation rates for Maori, Pacific, and low income families.
Primary schools will continue to receive support as National Standards identify children who are struggling, and provide parents with plain-language reports on their child’s progress.
There is also $66.5 million to increase the number of Trades Academies and Service Academies, to keep more 16- and 17-year-olds engaged in education and training as part of the wider Youth Guarantee. And at university level, we’re funding nearly 3000 extra places over the next two years.

National is committed to help lift student achievement. Budget 2011 delivers on this commitment, and will help our children get the best possible start in life.

For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_skills_and_knowledge.pdf