Background and aims

This report responds to the assertion that too many young people fall behind early in their lives and never fully recover lost ground. This is seen as arising from the failures of educational reforms of successive governments which have been only partial in their aims. The report views improving education as being at the heart of the UK’s future performance, economic growth and improvements in social issues. It sets out business views on the needs for and solutions to school reform, based on a substantial review of ‘what works’ evidence. Young people are implicitly defined as all school-aged children and young people up to age 18.

Scope, methods and aims

The study is focussed on UK schools – and the school system for England in particular – but explores an evidence base nationally and globally for what works in education. It does not focus on financial education, but education more generally. The report suggests that results should be applicable in all four nations of the UK. It sets out a number of conclusions (recommendations) which reflect the view of business in the UK for school reform.

The report was commissioned by the CBI, which provides a voice across the UK for business, in order to focus on the issue of low performance in the education system ‘at source’ (CBI, 2012; p5). The research does not explicitly or implicitly identify particular research questions, instead the article represents a white paper for reform, based on a review of secondary (largely quantitative) evidence.

Findings and recommendations

The report finds that:

• Average achievement among school pupils has improved, but this is slow and masks a problem of under-achievement for many.
• Children from low-income backgrounds lag behind their middle-income counterparts at school entry and achievement gaps widen further in the later stages of primary education.
• Apparent improvements in attainment at GCSE level are due to a mix of grade inflation, targeting of resources on pupils just below grade C level and teaching ‘to the test’.
• Student achievement is closely related to school leadership and management.
• The study concludes that the best systems of education worldwide have clear objectives of delivery for knowledge and behaviour which are aligned with accountability frameworks and engage parents and the community, devolve power to schools and incorporate rigour into the school’s ethos, culture and all its activities in delivering those objectives. It sets out recommendations, for parents, business and government to change expectations, cultures and outcomes. This includes that education should raise standards for all children by: reducing attainment gaps; being clearer about its objectives for its students and why; supporting the development of high quality school leaders; and devolving power to heads and teachers.

Points to consider

• This report is not specifically about financial capability or other financially-relevant aspects of education specifically. It relates to education more generally.
• As a review of evidence, the report does not offer any primary analysis and it is difficult to assess the robustness of the quoted research.

Full report

First steps - a new approach for schools - full report