Interested in advertising with us?

Advertise with us

Subscribe to trusted local news

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

  • Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

04

Jan 2023

Last Updated: 04/01/2023
Politics
Politics

Harrogate College backs PM's call for compulsory maths until 18

by John Plummer

| 04 Jan, 2023
Comment

0

collage-maker-04-jan-2023-12-35-pm

Harrogate College has backed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s bid to ensure all students study maths until the age of 18.

A government press release has said Mr Sunak will this afternoon "commit to starting the work of introducing maths to 18 in this Parliament and finishing it in the next".

In his first speech of 2023, he is expected to say studying maths to 18 will equip young people with skills needed for jobs and increase their financial confidence later in life when dealing with issues such as mortgages and savings rates.

Mr Sunak will say:

"One of the biggest changes in mindset we need in education today is to reimagine our approach to numeracy.
"Right now, just half of all 16–19-year-olds study any maths at all. Yet in a world where data is everywhere and statistics underpin every job, our children’s jobs will require more analytical skills than ever before."





Read more:






Harrogate College principal Danny Wild said Mr Sunak’s goal was admirable -— but needed to be supported by significant funding. Mr Wild said:

“Numeracy is increasingly important for all of us, and especially for young people entering a competitive and ever-evolving job market.
“So we do support the Prime Minister’s aim of ensuring that as many students as possible continue studying maths until the age of 18.
“Colleges and other further education providers will play a crucial role in delivering this goal - but it will only be achievable if we are given proper funding to recruit and retain the maths teachers we need.”


The college, a further education provider on Hornbeam Park, provides a wide range of courses including apprenticeships, T-levels and higher education for students in the Harrogate district.