Lib Dems: Spiralling class sizes in Torridge and West Devon shows brutal impact of Conservative cuts

Responding to today's analysis by the National Education Union that shows average class sizes in both Primary and Secondary schools have increased in Torridge and West Devon, David Chalmers, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Torridge and West Devon said:

"Improving our schools by investing more in education is the best way to improve the life chances of the children in our area and will be one of my main priorities should I get elected as your MP.

The National Education Union analysis shows that average class sizes in both Primary and Secondary schools have increased in Torridge and West Devon since 2010. This is unacceptable.

The Liberal Democrats will aim to give every child the best start in life. We will reverse Conservative cuts by providing an extra £10 billion a year for schools and recruit 20,000 more teachers so that we can keep class sizes down"

Responding further to today's analysis by the National Education Union, revealing that school class sizes have risen in 474 constituencies in England, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary Layla Moran said:

"Our children deserve world-class schools that can help them make the most of the challenges ahead, regardless of their background.

"But the Conservatives have cut school budgets to the bone since 2015. Hundreds of schools can't even afford basic supplies, let alone more teachers. Creative subjects are being squeezed out of the curriculum and staff are going with them. No wonder class sizes are increasing up and down the country.

"Liberal Democrats will build a brighter future for our children. We will reverse school cuts with an emergency cash injection, so that schools can hire and retain thousands more teachers and keep class sizes down."