Social immobility

First, Nick Clegg implored ambitious young people to “go for it” as they look to further their careers while, at the same time, criticising unpaid internships which offer an unfair advantage to well-connected youngsters who are, invariably, go-getters. He cannot have it both ways.

Second, Ministers – including Mr Clegg – failed to explain how the raising of university tuition fees will benefit all sections of society when various bursaries will only help a limited number of less-affluent students. The coalition has still to win this argument.

And, third, the Government attempted to appeal to the aspirational values of the “squeezed” middle class, opening up higher education to their children, when tackling child poverty – and illiteracy – is crucial to improving the social mobility of the most disadvantaged. What is the priority?

What the Government should be doing, however, is increasing the training and apprenticeship opportunities for those who, for whatever reason, do not stay in school after their GCSE exams. Much more needs to be done as youth unemployment reaches crisis proportions.

Furthermore, the quality of early years education – and a youngster’s ability to read and write – is fundamental to their future prospects, irrespective of their family circumstances.

If priority is given to this traditionally neglected area of teaching, some progress could be made on tackling social mobility and child poverty – but it will require concerted political action rather than a plethora of well-meaning announcements that have little practical substance.