Liberal Democrats launch alternative to the education bill

6.21.00pm GMT Tue 14th Feb 2006

Steve Sollitt, Liberal Democrat Campaigner for Southampton Test, has welcomed the Liberal Democrats alternative to the Government's education plans. The Liberal Democrat reforms focus on individual children not institutions, with pupil choice to motivate young adults, pupil premiums to give schools new incentives and the freedom to teach with curriculum deregulation.

"Liberal Democrats believe Labour's record in raising education standards for the most disadvantaged is poor, and Labour's focus on structures, not standards will further widen the education achievement gap:

· In 2005 only 44% of 15 year olds got at least 5 GCSEs or equivalents including English and Maths.

· Truancy and school leaving rates post-16 are damagingly high

· The education achievement gap is already worse under Labour than the Conservatives

· Plans to give more schools control over admissions will make social segregation worse, meaning the poor losing out again

The Liberal Democrat package includes:

· Pupil premiums - cash incentives for primary and secondary schools to take more disadvantaged and underperforming children - like those eligible for Free School Meals or with low attainment

· Pupil Choice to re-engage and motivate 14-19 year olds, allowing them to benefit from a wider range of learning opportunities at one or more local schools, colleges or work-based learning providers, with funding following their choices

· Freedom to teach through a deregulated national curriculum and a new national diploma, where students can study a range of subjects both academic and vocational, recognising young people should leave education with both knowledge and know-how

· An independent personal career adviser to help every student build their own timetable, at one or more local schools, colleges or work-based learning providers

Liberal Democrat Shadow Education and Skills Secretary, Edward Davey MP said:

"Labour's education reforms are in a mess. Ministers' plans don't just fail the most disadvantaged, they could make their prospects worse.

"By focusing on structures not standards, Labour is ignoring reforms that could really make a difference. To close the education attainment gap between the haves and have-nots, we need more radical reforms, that are based on evidence and proven to work.

"Liberal Democrat reforms build on best practice here and abroad, and will empower young people with choice, encourage schools with incentives and free teachers to teach. Our reforms are about re-engaging disaffected pupils, paying schools to admit more challenging pupils and freeing teachers to do their job."