$2.5 million in additional funding is going to independent schools experiencing an increase in enrolment numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government stated in a release on Tuesday that the funding is part of the $150 million from the COVID-19 contingency fund for education.

“This funding will provide additional support for independent schools that have seen increased enrolments,” said Education Minister Dustin Duncan in the government release. “Our independent schools and staff have done an excellent job in providing safe learning environments for students both in the classroom and remotely.”

The additional funding will be distributed based on enrolments.

Funding applications for the next intake for school divisions and independent schools from the remaining $23.7 million in the contingency fund will be on March 1.