Election News: Education - Labour makes surprise pledge for more state boarding schools

The commitment was a surprise element in the party's general election manifesto, launched last week with a strong focus on education and childcare.

The manifesto says: "We would encourage more small schools and boarding schools as a way of helping the most disadvantaged children."

At present, there are 35 state boarding schools. Ministers are said to believe that having more would benefit children from broken homes by allowing them to concentrate on education away from their turbulent home lives. It is understood that the Department for Education and Skills will advertise for sponsors prepared to offer boarding accommodation.

The State Boarding Schools Association welcomed the plan. A spokeswoman said: "Boarding provides children from disadvantaged backgrounds with options that could fundamentally prove more beneficial and perhaps more financially viable than other options such as foster care or social work."