RESPONDING to today’s call by education watchdog Estyn for more joined-up thinking to improve education standards in Wales, the Welsh Conservatives’ education spokesman William Graham AM said:

“Improving standards in education is absolutely vital if Wales is to meet the challenges presented by today’s increasingly competitive global economy.

 “It is a matter of great concern that 13,500 children in Wales have left school without any qualifications since Labour took control of the Assembly in 1999.

“Whilst this report indicates some improvements – thanks to the professionalism of teaching staff and dedication of pupils – the failures it highlights cause serious concerns.

“It is deeply worrying that on average 20,000 pupils are absent each day from secondary schools in Wales and that there has been a significant rise in the number of exclusions.

“I also share Estyn’s concerns that the provision of education and training for young offenders is too limited and that nearly half of work-based learning providers inspected had unsatisfactory standards.

“Despite all the talk from Tony Blair, Rhodri Morgan and Jane Davidson, education and skills standards in Wales remain the worst in the UK.”

ENDS

For further information, contact / Os am wybodaeth bellach, cysylltwch â:

Richard Hazlewood

Chief Press Officer / Prif Swyddog Y Wasg

Welsh Conservatives / Ceidwadwyr Cymreig

029 2089 8395

07957 133832