Commenting on Nick Clegg's speech on education Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers union said;

"The approach the Liberal Democrats have taken to education reform in a tough financial climate is genuinely refreshing.

"It would appear that the Liberal Democrats have understood that the last thing you do in times of financial hardship is cut back on the opportunities to boost support for education.

"Internationally the most far sighted countries are using their education system to prepare for the economic upturn. Nick Clegg appears to have understood this.