Conservative reforms to education are giving millions of children a better start in life than they could have expected a decade ago. The establishment of free schools and academies and changes to ensure a rigorous curriculum have resulted in 9 out of 10 schools now being good or outstanding - up from just 2 out of 3 in 2010.

Matthew said: "I want our children to receive a first-class education to give them the best start in life. However, I share concerns that local school budgets are under enormous pressures. The Government is reworking the formula to end the postcode lottery of funding for schools and allocations to most Barnet schools - which have been higher than many in the past - were set to reduce.

"I pressed Ministers - including Secretary of State Justine Greening - to reconsider the proposals and provide transitional funding for Barnet to allow schools time to adjust their budgets and ensure the high standards currently being achieved are maintained. I am therefore pleased that the Government has listened and has pledged to make sure that no school has its budget cut as a result of the new formula.

"I have also pressed for investment in schools and over £85 million - with a further £25 million by 2020 - is being spent on improving local schools to meet the demands of population growth in places like Colindale, Edgware and Mill Hill. I will continue to fight for funding as well as actively support new free schools and academies to increase choice for parents."