Tories''elitist' view of teaching

David Cameron speaks at the Walworth Academy in London
12 April 2012

The pre-election campaigning is raging on, with Gordon Brown setting out new plans to encourage social mobility while David Cameron promised Conservatives would boost schools by restoring the prestige of the teaching profession.

Mr Cameron said Tories would take a "brazenly elitist" approach to the school system, barring anyone without a 2.2 degree or better from teaching and giving heads the power to sack failing teachers and reward high-performers with bonuses.

Meanwhile, Mr Brown promised a new National Internship Service to give 10,000 undergraduates from poorer backgrounds greater access to professions like medicine and the law.

The theme of aspiration is likely to be a key battleground in the campaign for the election which must be held by June 3 but is widely tipped to be called for May 6.

Mr Brown signalled his determination to woo the vital middle-class vote in a speech at the weekend in which he promised to unleash "the biggest wave of social mobility since the Second World War".

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said the package indicated Labour was fighting on "a programme based not on core votes but on our core values of raising aspiration, expanding life chances and building a Britain of opportunity for the many, not the few".

As well as the National Internship Scheme, Mr Brown and business minister Pat McFadden unveiled plans for structured assistance for the 130,000 brightest secondary school pupils from poorer backgrounds; a new Social Mobility Commission to produce an annual report on moves towards a fairer society; and a Gateways to the Professions Forum involving representatives of 60 key professions.

Meanwhile, Mr Cameron launched the Tories' draft education manifesto in south London, setting out plans to attract the brightest graduates into teaching, with an offer to pay off student loans and provide bonuses for those who perform best in the classroom.

He also announced plans for a Teach Now programme to allow people to transfer from professions such as banking and the law into teaching without having to do more exams, saying "only the best professionals with the best qualifications need apply".

"We're committed to a comprehensive programme of reform to elevate the status of teaching in our country," said the Tory leader. "We want to make it the noble profession - the career path that attracts the best brains, is well-rewarded and commands the most respect."

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