THE LAUNCH OF THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS BILL

29 November 2007

Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teaching union said:

“This Bill fulfils a long held promise; that our most deprived young people deserve the same advantages as those who do not come from the toughest backgrounds.

“The mistakes made in the 70’s when the school leaving age was last raised must not be repeated. We cannot afford an education system which is unprepared for such a fundamental change.

“There must be a proper curriculum in place, sufficient training places in colleges, firms and schools and the necessary increases in skilled staff. Employers too need to live up to their responsibilities in opening up opportunities for apprenticeship”.