About 2,000 disadvantaged children in Sutton could get a cash boost as they move from primary to secondary school.

Applications opened on March 1 for the government’s £50m summer schools fund.

Under the scheme, head teachers will be able to design and run summer schools, targeting pupils who will benefit the most.

Schools can apply for £500 for each disadvantaged child transferring to year 7.

The funding can be used for activities such as meeting teachers, having a tour of the school or learning more about their new curriculum.

The money can also go towards additional support in English and mathematics to enable pupils to be up to speed.

And the children can enjoy activities such trips to theatres and museums, visits to local higher education institutions and employers.

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, said: “For too long, social background has been a deciding factor in a child’s success in our schools.

“Evidence shows disadvantaged children can slip further behind as they move into secondary school.

“That is why the Coalition Government is doing the right thing by helping heads and governors to build on their own induction arrangements and give these children an extra hand.

“The Liberal Democrats’ commitment to the most disadvantaged children doesn’t stop there. As well as this £50m fund, we are making significant extra funding available through the Pupil Premium.

“This will help schools tackle the inequalities that have been a part of our schools for far too long.

“In Sutton and Cheam that means that this year, disadvantaged children will finally be getting the extra support they need to succeed thanks to an extra £1.3 million.”