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Our response to the OFSTED Annual Report

Commenting on this year’s OFSTED Annual Report, CBI Director for People and Skills policy, Neil Carberry, said:

“It’s very encouraging to see improvements in English schools, especially in primaries. We congratulate the thousands of teachers, school and college leaders across the country who are doing a very challenging job, very well.  

“OFSTED’s findings chime with our own latest regional growth research, which shows worrying regional disparities in school performance.

“It’s crucial that our education and skills system improves so that it prepares all young people for their future, regardless of their background or where they live.

“This goes beyond raising exam attainment, though, as we still need national policy change to promote a focus on all the skills and attributes young people need for success in adult life, better careers provision and more regular, better structured work experience. Businesses are ready to work with government to step up to this challenge.”

On apprenticeships, Neil said:

“With the clock counting down to the start of the apprenticeship levy companies across the country are concerned about whether the system is ready to deliver what business and apprentices need – high-quality training that leads to a good career.

“It is promising to see the improvements in apprenticeships set out in the OFSTED report, but it is clear that there is still a lot to do to ensure that all apprentices are given the best support to progress in their careers.”

On technical education routes, Neil said:

“The CBI has long underlined the need to raise the profile of technical pathways that match academic options in terms of the quality and progression they offer, and it is good to see OFSTED highlight this in their latest report.

“Employers welcome the progress on delivering change through the Sainsbury Review’s recommendations and stand ready to help deliver these. But we must make sure we take the time to get this new approach right.

“But while we wait for the Review’s recommendations to be implemented, work is needed to support technical qualifications and the individuals who choose to follow them now. The Careers Guidance Strategy must include a strong focus on technical pathways and apprenticeship opportunities for all students, so that these are seen as valuable routes to great jobs.”