Too much, too late

Is spending on education going to the age groups where it is most effective? Vidhya Alakeson argues for a redistribution of funds In last week's budget, the Chancellor renewed the Government's commitment to education: an additional £650m to rebuild primary schools; a £1.5bn programme to refurbish further education colleges; and up to £75 a week in allowances and benefits to keep more 16- to 18-year-olds in education. But investment has failed to break the link between family background and attainment, as many had hoped.