Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Education, commenting on the OECD report highlighting English and maths results, said:

“This just goes to show that without a doubt our priority must be driving up standards for all children and young people, with a rigorous focus on literacy and numeracy

“Yet nothing is doing more to damage English and maths education in this country than the Tory Government’s failure to recruit enough good teachers in those subjects that are key to our country’s competitiveness.

“It is time David Cameron took this issue seriously and focused on ensuring there is excellent teaching in all schools, to raise standards across the board so that young people are able to fulfil their potential.”