Lib Dems pledge to “protect” school funding

The Liberal Democrats have announced that they will spend almost £7 billion on protecting school and college funding.

The party also claims that they will help protect the pupil premium and will invest in continuing professional development for teachers if they win the general election.

According to Schools Week, protection for schools’ per-pupil funding against currently unfunded pressures, at a cost of £3.3 billion, is included in the party’s education spending plans.

The Lib Dems have also promised £1.26 billion to ensure that schools do not miss out from the national funding formula.

Labour has, however, stated that this would cost less.

There will also be £415 million funding to protect the pupil premium in real terms, and £165 million for teacher development, as part of a package which totals £6.9 million.

Sarah Olney, the party’s new education spokesperson, said that if elected, her party would reverse “crippling Conservative cuts to school budgets” and invest to “ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed”.

The party says the plans will be fully-costed in its manifesto, which will come out “in due course”.