Schools receiving extra funding to help children's learning won't be told exactly which students need support.

The Government has allocated more than $43 million to schools with students at risk of under-achievement.

SEE ALSO: At-risk students targeted in Budget

Education Minister Hekia Parata said it'll be given out based on a data match between the Ministry of Social Development and education enrollment systems.

But she said schools won't be told which of their students should get the funding, but can use the money at their discretion.

"Look I have a very high trust of schools. I don't think schools are going to be using money to do playgrounds if they've got a challenge with reading, or with maths, or with science."

Meanwhile, opposition parties are attacking the Government for not providing a broad increase in operational funding to schools.

But Hekia Parata is backing initiatives, such as the funding for students at risk of under-achievement, as well as $42 million for high and special needs students, as being the desired approach.

"The sector has long been saying we want better targeting, we want greater priority for those kids most at-risk, and we have heard and are responding."