Government Skills
The Prime Minister Gordon Brown set out his vision for education in a speech at the University of Greenwich this morning, 31 October 2007.
Gordon Brown said that the UK's ambition should be a “world-class” education system, settling no more for “second best”.
The following extract was taken from the speech:
“This is a determined and systematic agenda to end failure. We will see it through. We will not flinch from the task.
“Our final goal for world-class education will be 100 per cent success for young people making the transition from school to college, university and skilled work.
“Every young person should know that they have something to aim for in their education. So at age 18 or 19, each should graduate from school, college or an apprenticeship with good qualifications or an apprenticeship certificate.
“We have set out a new vision for diplomas, designed with universities and businesses to meet the needs of the new century. And alongside the diplomas, we plan a radical overhaul of apprenticeships with:
“And to drive aspirations up, we will ensure that all those reaching 18 or 19 who want to go onto an advanced apprenticeship or further education and training have the resources they need.
“So just as two thirds of university students will be able to apply for grants of up to £3,000, so advanced apprentices will have a credit of at least £3,000 though a Skills Account to pay towards their costs.
“And from this year, we are paying the college fees of young people up to the age of 25 studying the equivalent of A-levels, and giving access to an adult learning grant of £30 a week.
“All of this is possible against the backdrop of the legislation to extend training or education to the age 18 by 2015, to bring us in line with the best in the world. We will offer financial support those who could not otherwise afford to stay in education. But we will not insist that young people stay in the classroom. They will be able to choose from clear pathways into the future: further study at school or college, an apprenticeship or work with time off for training.
“And in the coming weeks, the Secretary for Children, Schools and Families will bring forward an action plan to ensure that all young people are in education, jobs or training. We will offer new rights matched by new duties.
“Because we cannot afford to leave any young person behind outside work or study. Because we owe it to our young people to equip them for the world they are growing up into.”
For the full speech content visit Number 10 website [External website].
