First-time voters in the Calder Valley were also among the 100-strong audience at Todmorden High School.

The evening was organised by Calderdale branch of the National Union of Teachers, whose president, Christine Blower, also attended.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Hilary Myers said politicians had been promising for years to rebuild Todmorden High.

"But the Government has run out of money and the Conservatives say they want to open new schools rather than restore existing ones."

She went on criticise Government interference in education and urged changes to school league tables to make them better reflect the value-added elements of learning.

Labour's Steph Booth said the tables had helped her to choose schools for her children.

"They give parents an indication of a school's academic performance but there is no doubt there needs to be a wide range of other information to make them meaningful," she said.

Conservative Craig Whittaker said that two or three years ago Todmorden High was not widely regarded as a good school but it now was, due to the hard work of staff and pupils and improved early-years provision.

"During the past decade, people have begun to recognise the importance of this and we will ensure that Sure Start nurseries continue."

Head girl Rebecca Senior, who secured a place on the platform by winning the school's debating competition, said children in Calderdale were put at a disadvantage by the continuance of grammar schools.

"Those who get places these days tend to have private tuition which families on low incomes simply can't afford," she said.

The first-time voters, who began the evening fairly equally divided, ended up largely in favour of Mrs Myers, who also chairs the school governing body.

Green Party candidate Kate Sweeney lobbied the meeting but refused to join the debate because she had not been given a seat on the platform.