As results envelopes are opened this summer, the national conversation turns once again to how many 9’s, A*s, distinctions, who got what, why the GCSE pass rate has fallen, and whether standards are rising or falling. These details matter, but they are far from the whole story. In fact, they capture only a fraction of the talents, skills, and potential that young people possess.
As we track, in our regular series of Skills Shortages Bulletins, the world our young people are entering is changing faster than ever – education can barely keep up. Technological disruption, climate emergencies and geopolitical instability are not abstract challenges, they are today’s reality, and they demand bold, practical, and creative solutions. We need people who can respond to these realities, who can think differently, make things happen, and demonstrate resilience, ingenuity, and compassion. Vocational and technical education sit at the heart of this requirement. We will not be able to build the homes we need or transition to a green energy future without recognising that. But they are too often seen as pathways for other people’s children to take.
Changing public attitudes in this space has been the driving force for Edge since day one, and we have seen some promising progress – our 2024 polling found that just over four in five people (81%) believe technical and vocational qualifications should be just as respected as academic ones. That shows real progress, but there is still work to do. The good news is, that for the young people receiving their results today, the options are increasingly open. Recent analysis from the Education Policy Institute shows that post-16, technical and applied level 3 courses have been gaining in popularity in recent years. For those decided on a career pathway at 16, T Levels offer the chance to study a subject in depth, alongside real-world work placements, and apprenticeships offer the chance to earn and learn at the same time. It’s little wonder that 70% of apprentices think that they made the right career choice, according to the latest Youth Voice Census.
For school leavers, degree apprenticeships have revolutionised the landscape, removing the choice between university and work by combining the two (and often offering better earning power than that available to traditional graduates). The challenge we face is in bringing young people closer to these opportunities. Part of this is careers guidance – while we’ve come a long way in recent years through the great work of organisations like the Careers & Enterprise Company and Amazing Apprenticeships, there is still a gap to overcome. Our Young Lives, Young Futures (YLYF) study, in partnership with King’s College London, found that for those students not pursuing the traditional academic route, careers advice is often patchy and inadequate. Added to this is the fact that while opportunity is out there, it’s not always advertised.
That's why Edge is calling for a one-stop shop, so that all apprenticeship opportunities are advertised in one place, which will ensure equitable access for young people, and better connect employers to local talent. This results season, let’s celebrate choice. We need to help the next generation be aware of the whole range of opportunities out there.
So let’s empower young people to choose. Let’s celebrate more than grades. Let’s celebrate the many routes to success, the many ways of being smart, and the many bright futures being built.
Written by
Alice Gardner, Chief Executive, Edge Foundation