'Choice for young people over what they study is absolutely paramount to voters'

💭 The Edge Foundation CEO Alice Barnard reveals new polling on 16-19 reform ahead of this year's election manifestos
feweek.co.uk/is-the-abs-wha…

Our new report - Advancing British Standards? - released today, uncovers the public’s attitudes towards 16-18 education, qualifications and apprenticeships, and explores ideas for reform through a baccalaureate-style system.

Here’s a video summary of the main headlines 🔊

This is really interesting 👇 Our new report out today finds that the public recognise academic and technical/vocational pathways are deemed equally as effective in terms of young people's earning potential and life chances. Find out more here 📖 edge.co.uk/policy/reports…

Among this fascinating report's findings is that 74% of people agree with the #protectstudentchoice campaign that sixth form students should be able to mix and match vocational and academic subjects. With BTECs, this is possible - but under current plans, it won't be from 2026.

📢 Our brand new report - Advancing British Standards? - is now live on our website!

We unveil findings from our poll of 2,000+ adults with Public First exploring 16-18 education, apprenticeships, and the Gov’s plans to introduce the ABS 📈

Read now!
eu1.hubs.ly/H08JrQp0

Yesterday, we held a really interesting session of our Four Nations Policy Network where we discussed how to achieve 'parity of esteem' between technical and academic routes. There are many excellent policy examples from across the UK:

We just had a great session of our Policy Network where we explored how we as education charities and organisations could do more to empower youth through our policy work. Read more 👇

Encouraging to see the sector unite around a policy like this. Lord Bichard praised Sure Start at @ukedge's Good Policy Making event on its long-term impact and inter-departmental activity 'the likes of which we've not seen much of in Whitehall' edge.co.uk/policy/good-po…

A new report out today from the social mobility charity Speakers for Schools has revealed a myriad of barriers stop talented young people from securing places at top universities, even if they achieve the required grades. Read the report here
speakersforschools.org/news/new-repor…

🚨On Monday 22 April, Edge launches brand new poll findings on the future of 16-19 education. Join journalist and campaigner Fiona Millar for an exclusive panel event with Olly Newton Faiza Khan Corrienne Peasgood OBE Gareth.

✍️Register for your place: edge.co.uk/news-and-event…

I’ve published a new review with The Edge Foundation on the fascinating and turbulent history of General/Liberal Studies in English Further Education: can an initiative that taught miners poetry in the 1950s have anything to say to policy/practice today? Turns out a surprising amount: ⛏️🧵

The #EssentialSkillsTracker2024 from Skills Builder Partnership, proudly co-sponsored by Edge, is now live! One Q it asks is: 'What do teachers really think about essential skills?' and the answers are enlightening... 👇🧵

Awful news at a time when we need more advocacy and leadership by and for young people

💬 'The Sutton Trust and LSE research further shows that since 2020, the proportion of apprenticeship starts by those from poorer backgrounds had dropped significantly.'

A welcome mention of our research on apprenticeships take-up by Seema Malhotra MP💙 in Parliament ⬇️

So refreshing to hear from the fantastic Lucia Quadrini of Edge's Youth Network at #NGA2024 about what young people want out of the education system. No more patching holes but meaningful and intentional reform with equity at its centre. The Edge Foundation

Fantastic news but wonder what this would mean for Labour's plans for the Levy. Looking forward to exploring at Edge's private roundtable on this tomorrow

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our sold out event today in Manchster. The full agenda can be found here:
edge.co.uk/news-and-event…
Rethinking Assessment Alliance MBS HMC (The Heads' Conference)

This is a really important piece

Why are so many young people not looking for work? - The Times and The Sunday Times apple.news/A1ngm9wdIQYamN…

👩‍💼 'The workplace is as crucial as the classroom for social mobility'. Today's The Times and The Sunday Times 'Six from the Best', with thanks to Sarah Atkinson & The Social Mobility Foundation
thetimes.co.uk/article/times-…
#socialmobility #Careers

The Oracy Education Commission are part of the The Edge Foundation Deeper Learning Network. Today is the launch of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England. You can learn more about the Oracy Education Commission and get involved here 👇
oracyeducationcommission.co.uk