Liberal Democrats announce education funding commitment for Bridgwater and West Somerset

11.36.00am GMT Mon 1st Feb 2010

The Liberal Democrats have announced a major funding commitment to boost education in Bridgwater and West Somerset.

Nick Clegg has this week set out the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment for a Pupil Premium that would invest around £15m of extra cash in Somerset 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.

Theo Butt Philip, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset said:

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

"Under our plans, Somerset schools would get a further £15m 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."