More than extra money is needed to bridge the vocational and academic divide

5.07.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Apr 2006

Responding to the announcement of £50m to help fund vocational diplomas in schools and colleges, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Sarah Teather MP said: "We cannot afford to have such high numbers of young people giving up on their education at 16."

Sarah went on to say "The Government should launch a full scale reassessment of what is taught in secondary schools. Plans for a few new diplomas will still preserve the divide between academic learning and vocational training. We have to dispel the old fashioned idea that study is for the gifted and skills are only for the less bright. To pursue successful careers all young people need to leave school, college or university with both knowledge and know-how."