Member Article

New research reveals that teenagers are unsure where their education is heading

Almost a third of British teenagers are worried that the next few years of their education may be a ‘waste of time’ and are unsure as to where their education and careers are heading.

The new study of over 1000 13-16 year olds also reveals that two thirds (66%) of respondents believe league tables and academic grades to be the main focus of our current education system, as opposed to future careers (13%) or wellbeing (9%).

In addition, over half (54%) of the students asked say that their schools neglect to consider individual career ambitions, choosing instead to focus on the grades achieved.

This focus on academic achievement is having an alarming impact on young people’s futures – with a third (33%) stating that they have no idea about what career path to take and 17% saying they have no idea about any options outside of traditional academic routes, such as A-Levels.

Over a quarter of students (26%) said that the education system is ‘not fit for purpose’ with a further 37% saying they weren’t sure.

When asked why they felt this to be the case, almost a third (32%) of respondents said there is a ‘one size fits all’ approach to education, with a quarter (25%) saying it doesn’t fully cater to different learning needs, such as practical or visual learning. Therefore it is no surprise that a quarter (25%) feel that the curriculum and teaching styles are ‘outdated’.

The research, commissioned by the Career Colleges Trust, also asked the 13-16 year olds about GCSEs. 60% stated that their subject choices were ones they were likely to get the best grades in but don’t actually enjoy. Only 36% said they were confident that their choices were right for them and 13% admitted to dropping a subject for one in which they would get a better mark.

Ruth Gilbert/Bev Jones, Joint CEO of the Career Colleges Trust, says:

“The education system is frequently talked about and debated, but rarely do we ask the young people themselves about their own experiences. This research highlights the concerns that teenagers have about their education and career pathways – and more support is needed to help them plan their futures.

“Employers are facing skills gaps, yet young people aren’t aware of the many opportunities open to them. With schools focused on academic achievement, students are struggling to make key decisions about their futures and not getting the exposure to industry and work experience that they need in order to do this.

“Our network of Career Colleges work in partnership with industry to ensure that young people are getting access to employers – and being given a clear line of sight to the many potential careers on offer. This needs to happen in schools and colleges – and I would urge the Government to take notice of what 13-16 years are feeling in relation to their education.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Broadcast Exchange .