Skills push for benefit claimants
The prime minister today set out plans for a new crackdown on benefit claimants as part of a government bid to boost the skilled workforce. Gordon Brown previewed a new carrot-and-stick approach, billed as a new balance of rights and responsibilities. Lone parents and those on incapacity benefits will be encouraged to seek training to […]
Balls targets NEETs with new education measures
Ed Balls has announced new measures to support young people in education or training, as well as sanctions for those that refuse to participate. The government is introducing legislation in tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech to raise the school leaving age to 18. However, this will not take effect until 2015. This will be staggered with all […]
Brown sends closure warning to failing schools
Failing schools were today warned they risk closure if they do not improve standards. Warning he would not tolerate low standards, the prime minister told failing schools they would be shut down or taken over by neighbouring trusts if they do not attempt to raise standards. In his first major speech on education since taking […]
English language cuts condemned
Unions have called for the government to prioritise life-long learning to boost skills. On Monday, Gordon Brown told the TUC Congress the nation’s workforce must increase its skills to meet the challenges of a global economy. But delegates on Tuesday criticised the government for cutting funding for adult learning – especially English language provision – […]
MPs warn of ‘confused’ diploma project
The government has been accused of rushing the development of new educational diplomas, and warned not to rush their roll-out. MPs have criticised the development of new diplomas for 14 to 19-year-olds, which are designed to offer a middle ground between traditional theoretical learning and vocational schemes. But, the education and skills committee reported today […]
Govt rejects £500 maths A-level incentive
The government has rejected calls from education and industry leaders to pay students to take maths and science A-levels. A report from the Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) proposed the £300-£500 incentive as a way to increase the number of people studying so-called STEM subjects at further education. The CIHE warns that the […]
Johnson: Raise school leaving age to 18
The education secretary today outlined proposals to require all young people to remain in education until their 18th birthday. Mr Johnson argued there is a “compelling” economic imperative to raise the school leaving age, in what would be the most radical change since 1972. A shortage of low skilled jobs and the demands of global […]
Johnson: Education until 18 ends ‘spiral of despair’
Raising the school leaving age to 18 would tackle social problems and improve skills, the education secretary Alan Johnson said today. Outlining proposals for extending compulsory education until 18 years old, Mr Johnson claimed there is wide-spread support for such proposals. Research by the Department for Education and Skills found nine in ten people are […]
Elite universities to receive extra funding
Britain’s top universities could soon receive extra government funding, according to the Observer newspaper. According to the report, the prime minister wants to instil a “culture of charitable giving” among former students and wealthy investors by introducing a policy which would involve a government donation of £1 for every £2 donated up to a total […]
School leaving age ‘to rise to 18’
Education secretary Alan Johnson is considering plans to raise the school leaving age to 18, it emerged last night. The plans are said to have the full support of chancellor Gordon Brown, and would represent the first increase to the minimum age Britons can leave full-time education since 1972. Mr Johnson is set to publish […]
