Local Schools would benefit, as Charles Kennedy sets out Lib Dem 'Pupils' Guarantee'

11.23.11am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th Jul 2004

Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has set out the 'Pupils' Guarantee' - a five point promise to every child for quality education. The Guarantee includes first class teachers; a personalised curriculum; smaller classes; fewer tests; state of the art schools and colleges.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Kennedy said:

'What's been missing from the great debate about education? We've heard much from the other two parties about choice as a panacea for improving standards. Yet young people are seldom - if ever - mentioned!'

Detailing the Guarantee, he said:

'We start the debate with a 'PUPILS' GUARANTEE' and we are putting young people at the centre of our thinking. Our children are our future. They deserve our full attention.

The "PUPILS' GUARANTEE" - says to every child and every parent that they will receive a quality education close to home.

The 'PUPILS' GUARANTEE' is five simple promises - first class teachers, a personalised curriculum for teenagers, smaller classes for primary children, fewer tests but better monitoring so parents and pupils can see how they are doing and state of the art facilities.

Five promises for a bright start for all, not just a few.'

The Pupils' Guarantee

Five promises to every child

1. Quality Teaching - first class teachers for every child: every class taught by staff trained appropriately for either age group or subject.

2. Quality Curriculum - a personalised curriculum: tailored to the individual from age 14 and delivering opportunity for all pupils, including the 50% who do not go to university immediately.

3. Quality Classes - smaller classes: one teacher for every 25 primary children.

4. Quality Assessment - fewer tests: replace SATS at 7 and 11 with monitoring against national standards.

5. Quality Schools - state of the art schools and colleges: 21st century facilities with IT available to all.