A promise to find an extra £2.5bn for education funding by 2020 forms the centrepiece of the Liberal Democrats manifesto published today.

The funding commitment for 2 to 19-year-olds would, the Lib Dems have claimed, expand early years education as pupil numbers grow, put a qualified teacher in every classroom, help recruitment and retention of good teachers, help schools offer more one-to-one and small group tuition.

Under their latest plans, the Lib Dems have promised to increased funding for two to 19-year olds would increase in line with economic growth after the deficit has been eliminated in 2017/18.