WORCESTER MP Mike Foster went back to school for the day as part of a global initiative to increase access to education.

Mr Foster visited Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College to discuss with Year 8 pupils why 100 million children in the world miss out on an education and how to achieve the goal of primary education for all by 2015.

The college is one of more than 100 schools in Britain taking part in the Global Campaign For Education initiative. It is aimed at giving pupils the knowledge of how to lobby for change and to influence government policy.

Sean Devlin, headteacher, said: "It is important for our young people to realise the importance of education and the implication of a life without the chance to learn. We are indeed very fortunate to have the opportunity of a good education in our lives.

"MPs Back to School Day is connecting them with local democracy and with children worldwide to make a difference. We're delighted to be involved."

Millions of children around the world are joining the lobbying effort to redress the shortfall of four million qualified teachers in Africa alone.

Mr Foster said: "Basic education is a human right. It is scandalous that so many children have never had the chance to go to school. World leaders have promised to tackle this problem but until they pledge the necessary funds, too many children will continue to miss out."