EEF comment on GCSE results

Employers often find that school leavers lack the numeracy and literacy skills they require, as well as wider employability and communication skills.

Commenting on yesterday’s GCSE results, Tim Thomas, Head of Employment & Skills Policy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said:

“Whilst employers will be disappointed at the fall in pass rates, businesses may find that grades are now more reflective of the ability of those taking the exams. Previous pass rate increases have not always translated into attainment levels seen by businesses and have led to suggestions of grade inflation.

“Employers often find that school leavers lack the numeracy and literacy skills they require, as well as wider employability and communication skills. Manufacturers need to have greater confidence in examinations and want to see a move away from an education system based on league tables, together with a stronger focus on higher achievement levels in key subjects such as Maths, English and Sciences.

“Improvements in skills and attainment levels of our young people, who are the next generation of engineers and designers, are vital is we are to avoid falling behind our international competitors. This will be key in a world where our global competitiveness will increasingly depend on a highly skilled and productive workforce.”