School leavers 'lack basic skills in English and maths'
A new report has found that English skills are of concern to half of employers, with some reporting that young recruits use text speak rather than full sentences.
Published today, the government-backed review, led by the Education and Training Foundation, was launched to find out what employers and students need from the maths and English qualifications.
The survey of 1,400 employers, learners and training organisations, found that while GCSEs remain a well-respected qualification, many employers do not have a "reliable grasp" of the skills and knowledge that GCSEs tests.
The review – Making maths and English work for all – suggested that employers’ primary focus was the need for young people and adults with good practical maths and English skills, regardless of the specific qualification taken.
It found that 77 per cent of employers think national action is needed to improve maths and English skills for those students who fail to achieve an A*-C grade at GCSE.
Figures published by exams boards last year revealed that 38 per cent of GCSE English papers failed to achieve a grade C – considered a good pass – or above in the exams, with a similar figure for maths papers.
The review is calling for "rigorous but flexible qualifications that signal to the employer the degree to which a learner has been successful in mastering the practical and applied English and maths skills required".
David Russell, CEO at the Education and Training Foundation said: "Everyone knows – or thinks they know – what a GCSE in maths or English stands for. But other qualifications exist too, and are increasingly common post-16.
"Employers care about the quality of maths and English skills people have, not just the qualification. They told us about the type of knowledge and skills which hold real currency and support the success of their businesses. Nearly half of the employers we surveyed told us they recognised Functional Skills, and most of those who did so valued them for their content and approach."
Pupils aged 16 are no longer able to drop maths or English unless they have achieved at least a grade C
Functional skills are the most widely used non-GCSE qualifications. Over a million certificates were awarded in 2013/14, up from 300,000 in 2010/11.
Under reforms introduced by Michael Gove, the former Education Secretary, pupils aged 16 are no longer able to drop maths or English unless they have achieved at least a grade C in their GCSEs.
Functional skills – which enable learners to apply their skills in everyday life – are offered as an alternative qualification to GCSEs.
Nick Boles, the skills minister, added: “This report finds the current Functional Skills system is generally serving its purpose, and reflects the Government’s commitment to ensure all adults have the opportunity to study English and maths.
"I welcome the new evidence provided by the Foundation and its recommendations for improving the quality and recognition of Functional Skills to ensure they meet the needs of employers and learners, as well as improving understanding of all English and maths qualifications outside of GCSE.”
Today's review follows warnings from the Association of Colleges (AoC) that nearly 200,000 adult learning places could be lost in the next year alone if the government cuts to the adult skills budget continue.
It follows plans by Government for a 24 per cent cut in the adult education budget for the 2015-16 academic year.
The association said that adult education and training could disappear by 2020 if these cuts continue.
A Business Department spokeswoman said: "While total funding has been reduced, priority has been given to the areas where the most impact can be made – apprenticeships, traineeships and support with English and maths."