'No link' between qualifications and ability

Those with jobs in education should not be judged on their qualifications, says an education specialist.

Professor Dylan Wiliam deputy director of the Institute of Education said that there is no evidence that those with postgraduate qualifications perform better than those with bachelor degrees.

His comments follow research released by the Politeia think-tank thinktank which suggests that teachers in the UK have lower levels of education than elsewhere in Europe.

The report particularly drew attention to the qualifications demanded of primary school staff which is currently two GCSEs in maths and English.

In answer to its findings Professor Wiliam said the report "got it exactly wrong" adding that other studies have found there to be no link between qualifications and effectiveness.

If entry standards were to be raised Professor Wiliam said then "unfortunately we won't get the number of teachers we need".





Published On 28/07/2009