Gordon Brown has confirmed plans for large cash increases for schools in England.

The chancellor told MPs that spending on schools and universities is set to rise from £52 billion in 2004/05 to £64 billion in 2007/08.

Average per pupil spending will rise to at least £5,500 - which the education department says is more than twice 1997 levels.

Welcoming the increase Charles Clarke said: "Through this settlement the government is making a long-term commitment to developing education from the cradle to the grave. 

"This settlement will support the reforms I announced in my five year strategy. 

"It will continue the drive to achieve excellence and to narrow the gaps in attainment between schools and between pupils within individual schools.

"It will deliver higher participation in education beyond age 16, support wider participation in Higher Education, and will reduce the number of adults with low or no skills. 

"Through this investment we will expand the number of childcare places and the extended schools programme, bringing together education, health, children's social services and childcare."