PUPILS at a Colchester primary school told Education Secretary Michael Gove they need more money.

While visiting a class of eight and nine-year-olds at Lexden Primary School in Trafalgar Road, Mr Gove asked the pupils what they would like to help them more at school.

As well as a swimming pool, more play time and more games the children all agreed they wanted more money.

He replied: “That is very helpful, we will now go away and tell David Cameron and the Queen to give you more money, but it might take us a few years.”

Mr Gove told staff and pupils he thought the school, which received an outstanding Ofsted rating, was one of the best around.

The Tory MP said: “This is a brilliant school, one of the best I have ever visited. Thank you for making the morning so enjoyable for me and I will take away happy memories of this morning.”

Carole Farrer, headteacher, said she had discussed her concerns with Mr Gove about how some examinations, particularly SATs, were unfair for pupils who have hearing impairments.

Mr Gove, who is helping to prepare a provisional paper on changes to Government policy on special needs provision in schools, said he thought the school should be used as a model for other schools.

He praised staff at the school and said he wanted to see schools able to dictate how their money is spent.

Although he admitted his job was hard in the economic climate, he said: “I am loving my job, the great thing is you get the opportunity to work with MPs, like Bob Russell, and meet wonderful children and teachers all working hard.

“If there was more money available, I would like to see it go towards recruiting and training teaching staff.

“Unfortunately, this Government was left with very little money in the kitty, but when the economy recovers we will make sure all school buildings are kept up to scratch and well maintained.”