British schools 'must do more to prepare pupils for the world of work'
British schools are currently struggling to provide students with the knowledge they will need to get on in the world of work.
This is according to a new report from the Baker Dearing Educational Trust charity group, which surveyed 1,000 workers aged 20 to 35 years old in science, technology, engineering and maths roles about the degree to which they felt their schooling helped to prepare them for their current careers.
It was revealed that 45 per cent believe the subjects they studied at school are useless in the working world, while 61 per cent said they thought learning technical skills would have been more useful than studying traditional academic subjects.
Meanwhile, 60 per cent of those surveyed did not believe teachers had a sufficient understanding of the labour market, while 63 per cent said schools did not understand the skills employers needed.
The report also showed that 63 per cent felt employers did not have enough say over which subjects schools offer, while 55 per cent said they did not understand how the subjects they learned at school could be used in the world of work.
With recent research from the OECD indicating that 28 per cent of pupils in England hope to be working in a science-related career by the time they are 30, there is a clear need for the highest possible standard of teaching in this area.
Lord Baker, chairman of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, said: "As we head towards Brexit, the challenge for our education system is to ensure we equip students with the skills they need to forge successful careers in key areas like science, engineering and computing which our economy increasingly demands.
"This report shows that the current education system fails to provide these young people with opportunities to develop the technical skills they need to get the jobs they want."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Wellingborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor & Mentorship Roles Required – Wellingborough Inspire, Support, and Make a Lasting ImpactAre you passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and personal development?
Reference
S357/Wellingborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Northumberland
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northumberland
Description
Functional Skills Tutor – NE65, Northumberland Help Learners Build Essential Skills and Confidence We are seeking a motivated and experienced Functional Skills Tutor to provide high-quality one-to-o
Reference
11/6Funct-NE65
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Birkenhead
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Merseyside
Description
SEN Tutor Required – CH41, Birkenhead Make a Difference Through Personalised Learning We are currently looking for a compassionate and experienced SEN Tutor to support a learner in CH41, Birkenhead.
Reference
11/6Sen-CH41
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
Market related
Location free text
Havant
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Havant
Description
Make a Difference: Become a 1:1 Tutor in Maths, English or Science – Primary & Secondary (Start ASAP!)Do you have experience supporting children in their learning? Are you looking for a flexible role
Reference
SENTUTORPO1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£32,916 - 41,604 per year
Location free text
Basingstoke
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
Basingstoke
Description
English Teacher – BasingstokeStart Date: September 2026 (or sooner if available) Contract: Full Time / Permanent Salary: MPR / UPR Suitable for: ECTs and experienced teachersA forward‑thinking and inc
Reference
English 111
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£100 per day
Location free text
Caerphilly
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Caerphilly
Description
Youth Support WorkerLocation: Caerphilly, CF81 Hours: Part-Time | Term Time Only | Monday-Friday | 08:30-15:15 Pay: £100 per day Start Date: 7th of September 2026Be the Person They Remember Not every
Reference
YSW 11/6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Nottingham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Nottingham
Description
Secondary Core Subject Tutor – NG20, Nottingham Location: NG20, Nottinghamshire Position: Secondary Core Subject Tutor Hours: Part-time (flexible) Start Date: ASAP Pay: Competitive hourly rate, depen
Reference
11/6Sec-core-NG20
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£110 - 130 per day
Location free text
Alton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Hampshire
Description
Cover Supervisor – AltonStart Immediately | Full‑Time, Part‑Time & Flexible RolesAre you a graduate looking to gain experience in schools, an aspiring teacher, or an unqualified educator ready to step
Reference
Cover 223
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£32,916 - 51,047 per year
Location free text
Warrington
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
Science
Location
Warrington
Description
Science Teacher – Secondary School in Warrington Location: Warrington, Cheshire Start Date: September Contract: Full-time Pay Scale: M1 – UPS1 (paid in line with teaching scale)Join the thriving Scien
Reference
science 11/6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester West SecondaryAuthor
Manchester West SecondarySalary
£110 - 130 per day
Location free text
Farnborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Hampshire
Description
Cover Supervisor – FarnboroughImmediate Start | Flexible, Part‑Time & Full‑Time OpportunitiesAre you a recent university graduate, an aspiring teacher, or an unqualified educator looking to take your
Reference
Cover 222
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job