MPs have concluded ministers are wrong to claim that billions of pounds in extra funding for schools has produced better examination results.

The Commons education and skills committee said there was no evidence to support the claim that more money equalled better results.

The committee said GCSE results had improved no more rapidly during Tony Blair’s government than when the Conservatives were in power under John Major.

Meanwhile, Ruth Kelly made her first speech as education secretary at a conference in Manchester on Thursday.

She argued government achievements had been "underpinned by record investment" and sought to position herself as a "parental champion" of high standards, good discipline and greater choice in schools.