Liberal Democrats announce millions more for Durham schools

12.00.00am GMT Tue 2nd Feb 2010

The Liberal Democrats have announced a major funding commitment to boost education in Durham

Nick Clegg has this week set out the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment for a Pupil Premium that would invest around £30 million of extra cash in Durham schools, raising the funding for disadvantaged pupils to private school levels.

The money will be invested through the Pupil Premium pledge, part of a £2.5bn manifesto spending commitment.

Carol Woods Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Durham said:

"It is scandalous that children in Durham continue to lose out under Labour.

"Many local schools receive significantly less money than the national average and this must change. Our Labour MP has failed to stand up for pupils and parents on this issue.

"Under her Government, we have seen locals schools merged into giant Academies just to secure vital funding. Under the Lib Dems, the money needed to improve schools would come with no strings attached.

"Our plans mean Durham schools would get an extra £30 million which they could use to cut class sizes and provide more individual support."

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

"With this unfairness in funding it's no surprise there is such a gap in achievement between children from the poorest backgrounds and those families who are better off.

"Only when we get education funding back on track will be able to give all our children the fair start they deserve."