Education Secretary Lucy Powell says schools are stuck in a “straitjacket” of academic prioritisation, hindering children’s potential.
She has announced a review into whether teaching adequately prepares pupils for their futures, signalling a move to undo reforms implemented by Michael Gove.
Writing in The Times, Ms Powell said: “The one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t suit all children. For some it’s become a straitjacket. A straitjacket that has left too many being branded a failure — again and again — instead of being able to realise their potential.”
She intends to take a “fresh look at what we are teaching our children and whether we are equipping them for their lives ahead” as part of efforts to reverse Mr Gove’s education policies.
Ms Powell also blamed Mr Gove for the number of young people outside of education, training, or work.
“One million. That’s how many young people from the education system Michael Gove presided over who are now left outside education, not in employment and not in training,” she wrote.
“That’s not a coincidence — it’s a consequence. It’s his legacy.”
She said her priority now is “helping all those young people — and the generations to come — succeed”.
Tackling the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) has been one of the areas Andy Burnham has highlighted as a key focus since he took over as prime minister.
Mr Burnham plans to make new technical education routes available to 14-year-olds and bring in bursaries worth up to £4,500 a year for households on universal credit to help teenagers take on apprenticeships.
An interim report by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, published in May, warned the number of Neets could rise to one in six by 2031 and that Britain risks leaving behind a “lost generation” of young people ill-prepared for work.
The National Grid is launching a £5 million fund that aims to get 5,000 young people into work over the next five years.
The fund will support up to 1,000 young people annually, starting in the first half of 2027, with money invested in practical training, employability skills and qualifications needed for jobs in the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors.
Mr Burnham said, “Last week, we announced fundamental reforms to the education system to ensure there’s parity between academic and technical routes – giving all young people the chance to have a clear path in life.
“A key part of this initiative is matching employers to young people to ensure they get the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need.
“National Grid’s announcement is precisely the kind of response we want to see,” he said.
