Responding to new Sutton Trust research showing overwhelming public support for government intervention to ensure educational opportunities and improve social mobility, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“It is clear that the public supports greater investment to ensure that every child and young person gets the very best start in life.

“Education is the nearest thing we have to a silver bullet when it comes to addressing inequality, but for too long it has slipped down the government’s agenda when it comes to its list of priorities. We would like to see all parties commit to prioritising education should they win the next election. That should include investment from the early years upwards so that nurseries and schools have the resources to ensure every single child and young person gets the education they deserve.”