The Observer election debate: Swedish-style 'free schools'

This is a special election debate from The Observer presented by policy editor Anushka Asthana . Never before has education been such a fiercely contested issue in a general election. In Labour's manifesto, it tops the list of social policies, ahead of health, crime, immigration, family and the environment. The Conservatives promise to improve schools on page one of theirs. And the Liberal Democrats address the issue on the cover, pledging "a fair chance for every child". On the panel: Fiona Millar , an education campaigner who has fought hard to promote comprehensive schools. Baroness Estelle Morris , former secretary of state for education. Mick Brookes , the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers. Toby Young , journalist and the author of How to Lose Friends and Alienate People. He is also a father of four who is in the process of setting up a school in west London. And Anders Hultin , a former adviser to the Swedish Ministry of Schools who is now chief executive of GEMS UK, an education company that has a network of schools in 10 countries. Leave your comments below.