The Yorkshire Post Says: How 2017's A-level success has been overshadowed by political controversy

Even though this year's A-level results, including a rise in the proportion of students achieving the very top grades, should be a source of celebration, these successes have again been overshadowed by political controversy.

Yet, while the Conservatives and Labour traded statistics and semantics, it’s worth pointing out that this year’s cohort was the first to undertake the rigorous new syllabus and exams introduced by Michael Gove when Education Secretary.

In many respects, these results justify Mr Gove’s reforms – pupils need to be stretched and earn qualifications that are respected by employers – and it’s imperative that there’s now a period of stability so students and teachers can become accustomed to the demands of the new syllabus. Knee-jerk reactions are one reason why the morale of the teaching profession is so sapped.

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However, while Theresa May’s former advisor Nick Timothy is the latest high-profile individual to call for an overhaul of university education so degree courses become more relevant, it’s important not to overlook the importance of vocational education and results achieved by apprentices and all those who choose to undertake more practical studies.

For, while the Government is backsliding on plans to transform technical education, Ministers need to respect those young people who do, in fact, choose to ‘learn and earn’. There’s no reason why they, too, can’t do as well in later life as the very best university graduates. With the issue of skills rising up the agenda, it’s a timely reminder that education policy must always be for all.