How can we equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in our future economy?

• Call for written submissions
• Inquiry: Education for 11-16 Year Olds
• Education for 11-16 Year Olds Committee

Aim of the inquiry

The 11-16 phase is an important stage in a young person’s education, covering the period from year 7, when they start secondary school, to year 11. During this time, most young people will work towards national qualifications, usually GCSEs, as well as making important decisions about their future education and training. Educational provision for this age range has seen significant reforms in recent years, particularly changes to GCSE subject content and assessment.

This inquiry will consider how well the secondary education system in England is equipping young people with the skills needed for the job opportunities available in a future digital and green economy, and will consider proposals for significant reform.

Topics

The public are encouraged to write to the Committee on the following topics:

• How effective is the 11-16 curriculum in equipping young people with the skills they need to progress into post-16 education and employment in a future digital and green economy?
• What technical and vocational options are available to young people in the 11-16 phase, and how attractive are these?
• What is the impact of the 11-16 system on the motivation and confidence of pupils of all abilities?
• How effective are GCSEs as a means of assessing the achievements of all pupils at the end of the 11-16 phase?
• What alternative methods of assessment for measuring progress could be considered either alongside or instead of GCSEs?
• How does the school accountability system affect the 11-16 curriculum?
• What role can technology play in education in this phase, including in assessment, the personalisation of learning and reducing teachers' workload?
• How could the 11-16 system be adapted to improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession, and the recruitment, training and retention of teachers?
• How should spending for this phase of education be prioritised, in the context of the current fiscal climate?
• What lessons can be learned for improving education for the 11-16 phase from educational policy and practice from overseas, or from the devolved administrations?

Chair’s comments

Lord Johnson of Marylebone, Chair of the Committee, said:

“The secondary education system in England is currently at a crossroads, facing several challenges and opportunities. Our inquiry will build on a number of important recent reports, looking critically at the effectiveness of the current curriculum and assessment model and exploring whether these are preparing young people for the job opportunities they will encounter in our future economy.

We are keen to hear from teachers, education providers and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure their views are considered.”

Further information

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