Charles Kennedy has launched a strong attack on the government's education record.

The Liberal Democrat leader lambasted Labour for its "broken promises" on higher education.

He highlighted new figures showing the proportion of students going into higher education from the two poorest socio-economic groups has fallen dramatically since Labour came to power in 1997.

In a speech to the Liberal Future group in Westminster, Kennedy also criticised the Whitehall-run education system for being too target-focused and inflexible, claiming it is unable to provide the skills for businesses and industry.

"We must have an education system fit for the 21st Century. We are still stuck in the 1960s idea of a three-year full time degree being the only option," he said.

He called for a more flexible education system that could allow part-time study, combining learning with work, study breaks and greater use of online learning.

And there was a call for the government to follow the example set in Wales and Scotland, where devolved administrations have rejected moves to force extra debts on students while they study.

"The abolition of grants and the introduction of tuition and top-up fees will make education, once again, the privilege of the rich. Money, not merit will decide whether you can go to university," he said.

He also warned that a focus purely on higher education could lead to a skills shortage.

"Above all, what we need is a first class education system, at every level. An education system that generates people with talent, ability and drive," he said.

"Only with that investment can we create the sort of workforce we need for the 21st Century."