The government this week announced its plans to implement a pupil premium, the central plank of the Liberal Democrats' education manifesto. This will provide extra funding for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Children's Minister Sarah Teather said,

"For too long social background has been a deciding factor in a child's achievement and future prospects. In a fair society, it's the Government's responsibility to close the gulf in achievement, where the poorest children are almost three times less likely to leave school with five good GCSEs than their richer classmates."

Headteachers will be free to spend the extra money on whatever will be most helpful for their pupils. This could mean smaller class sizes or more one-on-one tuition and catch-up classes. The pupil premium is expected to be in place next year.