NASUWT: Worst ever outcomes

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 12:00 AM

Chris Keates, general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) comments on the GCSE results and employment and training prospects for school leavers:

"The two per cent pass rate improvement is a result of the tremendous investment in education over the last decade, the commitment of teachers and the application of the students. These are the best ever results but the worst ever outcomes now exist for young people.

"These fantastic results stand in stark contrast to some of the worst ever employment and training prospects for young people and the reality of rising youth unemployment as a result of the coalition government's austerity programme. The coalition government must guarantee that all 16-18 year olds are guaranteed a place in education or training. This is the only way to avoid another lost generation of young people.

"The comprehensive spending review in October could potentially devastate the prospects of young people for many years to come. We are already seeing the lack of jobs leading to a scramble for fewer opportunities by many more school and college leavers. If both job opportunities and education places continue to be squeezed, teachers will face a tough challenge to keep young people in school motivated to achieve the continued levels of success we have seen over recent years.

"Economic recovery depends on investment in high-level education and skills training. Failure to invest will have a devastating impact on young people from ordinary families and those who are the least privileged in our society."

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