David Cameron attacks schools as being ‘comfortable with failure’

 
11 June 2013

David Cameron condemned schools as being “comfortable with failure” as he set the ground for exam reforms being unveiled tomorrow.

The Prime Minister used a speech on economic challenges to criticise the “under-performing” education system in the UK compared with rival nations.

He said others taught algebra much earlier and added: “Meanwhile, we have had an education system that was increasingly comfortable with failure, while grade inflation robbed our qualifications of rigour and respect.”

Mr Cameron said Education Secretary Michael Gove would announce proposals for “more challenging” GCSE exams tomorrow. He said it was a betrayal of young people to fail to equip them for the modern world.

“I cannot stress enough how vital this is. National renewal depends on us getting education right, in our time, without delay.

“That is why — despite fierce opposition — we are pushing change through, injecting desperately needed rigour into the system, into what children learn and how they’re tested.”

Mr Cameron also put the case for Britain remaining in Europe, saying the country must be at the “top table” of international affairs.

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