England's education system faces calls to prioritise work skills over exams

The news

A government-commissioned interim report led by former minister Alan Milburn states that England's education, health and welfare systems are no longer fit for purpose. The review projects the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training will rise to 1.25 million by 2031. Three-quarters of teachers surveyed agreed the curriculum emphasises exam passing over employment preparation. In 2024/25, for every £1 spent on employment support for young people, around £25 was spent on benefits.

What's at stake

Almost one million 16- to 24-year-olds are currently not in education, employment or training. The report notes the number of low- and medium-skilled jobs in the UK has fallen by 1.6 million in the past 20 years, while higher-skilled positions have risen by 6.3 million. One in eight young people are classified as NEET. Four in five young people claiming health-related Universal Credit benefits cite mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions as their main barrier to employment.

The review argues the current system is designed to produce qualifications rather than working adults. It warns of a lost generation if education remains focused on exam outcomes instead of labour market participation.

The case for

Reducing exam pressure would allow more young people to gain practical work skills through structured employer involvement and mentoring. Real problems shared by organisations can give learners direct exposure to workplace reasoning and evidence-based thinking. This approach has helped individuals such as a 23-year-old who progressed from long-term unemployment to assistant manager at Nando's after receiving mentoring and support from a youth charity.

The case against

Weakening exam standards risks lowering overall educational attainment at a time when higher-skilled roles are increasing. The system has produced measurable gains in some international comparisons, and shifting emphasis away from testing could leave students less prepared for the demands of an economy where advanced qualifications remain central to accessing those roles.

Why it matters now

If the system moves toward employment preparation, spending priorities and curriculum design would shift within the next five years. If it stays exam-focused, the projected rise to 1.25 million NEETs by 2031 would continue under current trends. The next political milestone is the government's response to the full Milburn review recommendations.

Further reading

BBC News · HR Magazine

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