Responding to the prime minister's announcement at Labour Party Conference of a new target of ensuring that two-thirds of students should be in further or higher education or an apprenticeship - along with additional funding for 16-19 education - Paul Whiteman general secretary at school leaders union NAHT, said:

“We have long argued that while university education is of course a great option for many students, it isn’t the only route to a fulfilling career for young people.

“For some, training, apprenticeships or employment better suit their needs and ambitions. Yet for too long, these career paths have not been prioritised, so we welcome the prime minister’s ambition to address this.

“However, it is important that this is supported not only by funding, but also by changes to ensure our school curriculum and assessment landscape works for all students.

“The offer from schools has been warped by government policies including the publication of narrow, high-stakes performance measures, and the exclusion of creative and cultural subjects from the EBacc has led to a reduction in pupils taking these subjects. Not only does the EBacc have the effect of narrowing the curriculum in Years 10 and 11, but the effects can be seen in sixth form and college choices too.

“These policies have created an implicit lack of value in the achievements of many young people, who are not ‘academic,’ reinforced from an early age with a pass or fail approach to tests and exams. Broadening the curriculum and valuing all subjects and skills, will help to improve the outcomes for all young people.

“The ongoing curriculum and assessment review is a chance for the government to reform the system and deliver learning that is relevant, reflects society’s diversity and gives all students access to meaningful qualifications across a broader range of vocational, academic and arts subjects, using varied assessment methods.”