Liberal Democrats announce education funding commitment for Gloucester

9.48.00pm GMT Sun 7th Feb 2010

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

Liberal Democrat manifesto proposes a Pupil Premium that would invest around £19m of extra cash in Gloucestershire 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.

Liberal Democrat candidate for Gloucester, Jeremy Hilton said:

"We must do more to support underprivileged children in Gloucester by boosting financial support for their education.

"Under our plans, schools in Gloucester would get on average an extra £2,500 per pupil for those entitled to a free school meal.

"The extra cash can be used to cut class sizes and provide one-to-one tuition or catch-up classes, ensuring every child gets the individual attention they need."

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."

ENDS ...