Building on the success of the Gatsby Career Benchmarks, Education Challenge will support teachers, school leaders, governors and employers to work collaboratively to integrate an understanding of the world of work and career opportunities into the curriculum.
Education Challenge will make sure those entering the workforce have both the academic and practical skills to support our diverse economy, and ensure they are fully aware of the progression routes available to make this happen.
Why do we need the Education Challenge programme?
Our primary schools perform highly when compared with national performance. The performance of our secondary schools is much more mixed and, in terms of outcomes in many areas, falls behind national performance. Post-school destinations also fall behind the national statistics, with a higher proportion of young people not in education, employment or training. Fewer North East school leavers go on to attend the top performing UK universities compared to other areas of the country.
Skills shortages and skills gaps suggest there are mismatches between the skills employers are looking for and those available in the workforce, especially in technical skills.
