The funding is aimed to help schools in poorer areas

Elwa (Education Learning Wales) had initially proposed to give �10.5m to schools, but doubled the money after a review of services.

The study found vastly differing amounts of money were being given in different areas.

The new national planning and funding system aims to stop the poorest areas missing out.

Elwa, which looks after post-16 education in Wales, is one of the quangos being scrapped and integrated into the Welsh Assembly Government by 2006.

Talks with AMs, schools, colleges, local education authorities and training provider representatives were held prior to the announcement.

Elwa chairman Sheila Drury said the system, due to start in August 2005, would "affect the learning delivered in Wales for a long time".

"We have consulted widely to make sure we get things right and have responded to what stakeholders, including schools, colleges, local education authorities, training providers and assembly members have told us," she added.