Where the school/industry dichotomy goes for a burton

For some time now, employers all over the country have had reservations about the educational standards of school leavers. In reply, the schools have pointed out that many of their pupils are achieving much more than their counterparts of some twenty years ago and, what is more, they have the evidence of public examination results to prove their point. Obviously there is a lack of understanding somewhere between employers in industry and commerce on the one hand, and those involved in education on the other. It was because of this that the Prime Minister initiated the Great Debate in October 1976, and this has since been followed by the Green Paper Education in Schools, the effects of which are at present being felt in local education authorities throughout England and Wales.