Stephen Twigg MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on the Department for Education figures on the destinations of school leavers, said:
“These figures show there is still a major divide between rich and poor in our education system*.
“What is worrying is that the Government risks making things significantly worse, by abolishing the Education Maintenance Allowance, trebling tuition fees, and getting rid of advice services.
“At the same time, schools need to be far more ambitious for their pupils to get into top universities. Sadly, the Tory-led Government is kicking away the ladder of opportunity for the next generation.”
* 28 per cent of school leavers in Reading and 18 per cent in Buckinghamshire go on to study at a Russell Group University. Only 2 per cent in Knowsley and 3 per cent in Rochdale go on to a Russell Group University.
Source: DfE: Destinations of Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 pupils in 2009/10
