The United Kingdom is one of the first nations to develop a modern ‘western’ education system. With the English system having £62billion a year, on paper is should be one of the most powerful education systems in the world. This expensive education is for all and with a range of qualifications, no one has an excuse not to become an educated citizen.
But today figures were released showing just how effective this £62billion really is. With only 58.2% of pupils reaching the target of five good GCSEs, something needs to be done.
At the moment the UK system is ranked 20th in the world – compared to less economically developed countries such as Poland, ranked 12th. This highlights how much of this money is being wasted and lost out of the system – not everyone is getting an education worth competing for.
But what is needed is competition between regions, counties, schools and pupils. This would automatically raise the standard, which is in dire need of increasing. Without a strong, competitive education system we have no chance of growing as a nation and economy.
This competition has been lost with the increasing influence of Community Schools. The students are not driven to succeed but rather have a good time. This attitude needs to change, funding needs to be cut in those areas of low standards and more selective schools (Grammar Schools) need to be developed.
It seems the attitude at the moment is if a school’s results are low, throw more money at the problem. This has to stop.
This is a problem needing urgent attention from Michael Gove (Education Secretary) and one that needs to resolve if we want any chance in leaving behind those failing countries within the eurozone.
