Only three state secondaries appeared in the top 100 for A level passes.
Quelle surprise - or should that be "what a surprise" for pupils at such secondaries. For, of particular concern, was the fact that fewer than one in 10 pupils at GCSE level in state schools attained A*-C grade in languages. Given this has occurred four years after the decision to make languages voluntary for 14-16 year-olds, perhaps government interference does make a difference - only not for the better. Teachers claim languages are becoming the preserve of the middle classes and these results appear to back up that view.
This is humiliating for a government talking up the opportunities that will arise as up to a billion skilled jobs are created worldwide in the next decades. Even if the language of business does not change from English to Mandarin, there is documented research on the benefits of language learning: it supports academic achievement, provides cognitive benefits and affects attitudes to other countries and cultures.
If the promise set out in the New Opportunities White Paper - to "give all people the best chance of fulfilling their potential" - is to be realised, this final point will be crucial. The jobs market is global.UK youngsters will not just compete in this market but will be dealing day-to-day with people from other countries and cultures.
Having just returned from China, where the number of universities was mind-blowing (see Editor's blog on www.hrmagazine.co.uk), I am left in no doubt as to the role of education over there. Ditto India. And when I was lucky enough to visit a friend in rural South Africa, I was struck by the children's enthusiasm for school and desire to talk to me about subjects I doubt many of equivalent age in the UK would be able to discuss - and certainly not with such confidence.
A billion skilled jobs worldwide. Will golden handcuffs for teachers, more apprenticeships, university internships (see Letters) and a panel to identify and remove the barriers that prevent fair access to professional jobs help our children access those jobs? Will it really increase social mobility? I am sceptical but I hope I am wrong.
Email sian.harrington@haymarket.com
