Liberal Democrats promise 20,000 more teachers as part of £10bn funding boost for schools

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to spend an extra £10 billion a year on schools and recruit 20,000 more teachers if they win the General Election.

As the party launches its manifesto on Wednesday the Lib Dems promised to reverse frontline school cuts imposed since 2015 with an “emergency cash injection” of £4.6 billion next year.

The party insisted that by 2024/25, the party will spend £10.6 billion more on schools than in 2019/20. The money will help boost teacher numbers by 20,000 over five years, it said.

Jo Swinon’s party said it would attract and retain teachers by increasing starting salaries to £30,000 and guaranteeing all teachers a pay rise of at least 3 per cent a year over the next five years.

The extra resources would also be used to boost support for children with special educational needs or a disability.

Some £7 billion would be spent on improving school buildings over the next five years, the party said.

The Lib Dems insisted £10 billion of what it claims would be a £50 billion economic bonus from staying in the EU would be used to increase school funding.

Party leader Jo Swinson said: “This is an investment in our children’s future. Our schools should be world class, helping every child make the most of the challenges ahead.

“But instead, they are trailing behind. The Conservatives have cut school funding to the bone and children have paid the price, especially those with the most complex needs.

“It is disgraceful that some schools feel they have no choice but to ask parents to chip in for supplies, and are closing early on Friday to balance the books.

“Liberal Democrats will build a brighter future for every child. By stopping Brexit, we can spend £10 billion of our Remain bonus on reversing school cuts and hiring 20,000 more teachers – so that pupils can leave school happy, healthy and with the skills they need to succeed in life.”