Liberal Democrats announce funding boost for Thurrock schools

6.08.00pm GMT Tue 2nd Feb 2010

Improving education opportunities is a Lib Dem priority for Thurrock

The Liberal Democrats have announced a major funding commitment to improving education across the country, a move that would see Thurrock schools receive a boost of over £8m a year.

Party leader Nick Clegg has this week set out the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment for a 'Pupil Premium' that would invest around £8m of extra cash in Thurrock 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.

Carys Davis, Lib Dem PPC for Thurrock said:

"It's nothing short of a scandal that children in Thurrock continue to lose out under Labour.

"Some of the schools here receive significantly less money than the national average and children suffer as a result.

"Under our plans, Thurrock schools would get a further £8.2m which they could use to cut class sizes and provide more individual support.

"CHC has provided a fantastic example of how dramatic improvements can be made - better financial support would boost the opportunity for more local schools to achieve their goals.

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."