Many leave school with few or no qualifications: only around half as many British as German workers boast the equivalent to two A-levels.For youngsters, and for the economy, the costs of dropping out are higher than ever, because as in other countries, only more so employment opportunities for the unskilled have shrunk.
There, 90% of young people hold A-level equivalent qualifications, compared with around 57% in the UK.
in local authorities that operate selective admissions, children who are not eligible for free school meals have a much greater chance of attending a grammar school than similarly high-achieving children. in 2015 virtually all pupils in grammar schools achieved five or more good grades at GCSE and equivilent qualifications compared to around two-thirds at comprehensives.
That grammar schools get excellent results is not the issue; in 2015 virtually all grammar school pupils achieved five or more good grades at GCSE and equivalent qualifications compared with around two-thirds at comprehensives, with the gap even greater when just GCSEs are taken into account, including passes in English and maths.
The school, which offers both academic A-levels and vocational qualifications to around 1,500 pupils from across South Yorkshire, is based in a Victorian grade II listed building that was formerly occupied by Rotherham grammar school.
Among other things, we have to think about: Whether our recruitment process accurately reflects the UK's ability to attract prospective students over its competitors Ensuring the prospectus is not overly UK-focused and provides an international perspective too Looking at how appropriate the application process is – does it take into account the differences in qualifications from around the world?
Mr Tang said one factor in Shanghai's success had been a deliberate process of borrowing ideas from other countries, such as England's system of inspection and accountability or looking at qualifications from around the world.
Of those who responded to questions on educational attainment, a large proportion (66%) had gained some educational certificates, 60% of whom had professional or vocational qualifications and around 10% had a degree or the equivalent of a degree.
Cyprus' Chrystalleni Trikomiti performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rythmic gymnastics event.
Photograph: Jim Young/Reuters 1.30pm BST Russia's Daria Dmitrieva performs during the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around qualifications.
