The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an Influential think tank, has released the results of its recent skills survey of adults in the wealthier economies of the world… and the outcome for England indicates some cause for concern.

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The survey warns that in England, adults aged 55 to 65 perform better than 16 to 24 year olds at foundation levels of literacy and numeracy (it’s the only country in the developed world where the generation approaching retirement is more literate and numerate than the youngest adults). Out of the 24 nations surveyed, young adults in England rank 22nd for literacy and 21st for numeracy.

The political fallout from the survey has already begun, with Skills and Enterprise minister Matthew Hancock stating that it underlines the need for reform and rigour in the skills sector. The newly appointed Shadow Education Minister Tristram Hunt, has responded by suggesting that a future Labour government would ensure all young people study maths and English to the age of 18. Read full article…