Not ready for work

Sir Digby Jones, Director General of the CBI, congratulated GCSE students on their exam results yesterday but warned that the education system was still leaving too many unable to read, write, or count adequately.

"Every student deserves praise for their achievements and I wish every one of them a prosperous future, but there is clearly a systemic failure in the education system as yet again almost half of GCSE entrants have failed to reach the basic levels of competency in the 'three Rs,'" Sir Digby said.

"Being taught how to read, write and add-up was regarded as fundamental right for all in the 20th century, so why in the 21st century, is the education system of the world's fourth richest economy seemingly unable to deliver?"

Competency in the 'three Rs' is measured by achieving Grade C or above in both English and Maths. This year 60.9 per cent and 53.4 per cent achieved the respective marks.