COMMENTING on Assembly Government plans to review the way schools, colleges and universities are funded, Shadow Education Minister Paul Davies AM said:

"We don't need a review to tell us that far too much money which should be spent on teaching is wasted on bureaucracy.

"We already know there is a wide gap in funding per pupil in Wales compared with England, and that the funding gap between Welsh and English universities remains unacceptably wide.

"Last May Conservatives unveiled plans for 'free schools' where funding is channelled direct to schools, allowing them to make spending decisions based on local priorities.

"This review has to bring real value and deliver real outcomes. We hope it is not simply an attempt by the minister to be seen to be doing something simply because he is new.

"Educational reform is desperately needed if we are to stop the growing achievement and funding gap between students in Wales and those in England."