Edge is offering Britons the unique opportunity to be part of the first ever user-generated political broadcast, telling politicians what they personally would like to see change in the education system. The broadcast will make the case that practical and vocational learning needs to be at the heart of every young person’s education to enable them to fulfil their talents.

The world is changing rapidly but the education system is failing to change at the same pace, with over nine in ten parents (92 per cent) believing that changes need to be made to the education system. Three quarters of young people (74 per cent) say that the current system needs to be changed to better meet their needs. In fact, 78 per cent of the general population agree that there should be more quality practical and vocational learning opportunities on offer to young people in schools, colleges and universities.

Following the launch today of a striking advertising campaign encouraging the public to ‘Have Your Say’, the broadcast itself will be released on 16th March – either immediately preceding the general election itself, or ahead of the expected launch of the political parties’ campaigns depending on the date of the election.

Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, commented:
“The vast majority of the population want change in our education system and to see our schools offer a broad curriculum which places practical and vocational learning side by side with academic teaching, giving children the chance to acquire life skills and try things hands-on, as well as learning the theory.

“Now is the time to send a powerful message to the politicians, which is why Edge is dedicated to making sure our leaders, who are bidding for our votes, realise the importance of education to the British public."

“But we don’t just want to hear from people about the problems in the education system, we want to highlight successes we can all learn from. So we also want to hear from teachers, parents, students and employers in places like Barnsley, Blyth, Bradford, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Nottingham and Kent where changes are really starting to take off and young people are making the most of valuable opportunities to explore the many paths to success available.”

To have your say on the future of the education system visit www.edge.co.uk/haveyoursay

Notes to editors

For more information on the campaign and Edge please contact Zoe Penn or Andy Wray on 020 7419 6950 or email edgeteam@bbpr.com

Parents’ data from research carried out by PCP. Total sample size was 1,028 parents of 11 to 16 year olds currently attending state secondary school in the UK. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th to 8th May 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures are representative of this group.
Young people’s data from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,098 14 to 19 year olds in England. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th to 13th Jan 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted to be representative of this group.
General population data from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2019 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 24th Sept 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).