GODALMING, England, May 8 /PRNewswire/ --

- With Photo

On Friday 2nd May, Lord Adonis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools and Learners, spent a day with King Edward's School, Witley, one of the leading schools in the "Pathfinder Programme", a government and independent schools initiative that he spearheads.

Still in its early stages, the "Pathfinder Programme" involves several local authorities and a number of state and independent boarding schools in placing vulnerable children in a boarding environment. This, it is hoped, will avoid them being placed in care and will enable them to be academically and socially successful.

Founded in 1553 to provide a place of lodging and education for the poor and needy children of London, King Edward's still includes this as part of its main mission. In conjunction with the City of London and other leading educational charities, the 450-pupil school is providing bursaries for over 100 pupils. Currently 13 pupils are being partly or fully funded by Local Authorities and both the Government and the school want to see this number expanded. Children who qualify for bursaries include those with terminally ill parents, disabled siblings or from single parent families with low incomes where the parent has to work to make ends meets.

Lord Adonis was keen to explore the ways of utilising King Edward's expertise to publicise the Programme more widely within the Local Education Authorities. The school has a truly cosmopolitan intake with just under 200 day pupils from the local area, boarders from all over the UK, as well as pupils from over 30 different countries. It has been described as one of the most integrated schools in the country and it was these special characteristics that prompted Lord Adonis's visit.

Meeting both pupils and staff, Lord Adonis's tour of the school included the Medical Centre with its "Bed and Breakfast facilities" on offer for youngsters that need some "time out". Much of his time was spent with the pupils discussing their experiences of boarding school life.

Note to Editors:

A picture/s accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

Contact for media only: Gwyn Phillips, Deputy Head, King Edward's School, Witley, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5SG, Telephone: +44(0)1428-686771