The East Kent College Group has been awarded a funding boost to help bolster its maths department.

For each of the next five years, the college will gain £380,000 from the government to improve basic skills of low attaining students over the age of 16.

The group, which has colleges across Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Broadstairs and Sheppey, will become a maths centre of excellence as a result of the cash injection.

With qualification levels hoped to rise, the group is aiming to have developed and sustained innovative teaching methods by the end of the five years.

Director of curriculum development Hayley Barden said: "I’m very excited and extremely proud that EKC Group has been presented with this amazing opportunity.

"This work will all contribute to an increased student experience while also helping to prepare them for a more successful working life after college.

"The group made the decision to apply for the funding as we’re passionate about improving the outcomes of our students, and meeting the needs of the communities we serve - this will help us to do that."

East Kent College is one of 21 centres nationally to be granted the funding and the only in the county.