Edge Praises Northumberland Education System

Following the area being named by the Association of Colleges as a new 'Skills Engine', Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, also commended the area in his weekly blog:

"Improving learning and educational opportunities for all children and young people is Northumberland Council's number one priority. While past efforts have been successful in raising standards, they are questioning the extent to which the improvement can be sustained and how effective it has been in narrowing the gap in achievement. Promoting more practical learning opportunities is seen as a key element philosophically - and thus across all schools - as well as more directly linked to skill needs in some of the most deprived areas."

Particular examples praised by Edge include the County Council's doubling the number of Apprenticeships available and a partnership in Blyth with a master craftsman working with eight Year 10 students. As part of this partnership, the Council is now seeking to equip a boatyard to construct a full-size replica of a 'collar brig', using this as a training facility for apprentices.

Powell continued:

"The twist might be to combine the past with the future by equipping the boat with the latest renewable technology. Sustainability and renewables are integral to the area's future, because of Northumberland's excess of natural resources."

Ahead of Colleges Week, which starts on Monday, the Association of Colleges today revealed the areas it believes will be able to help build Britain's future, including Blyth, which was commended for its links between industry and local colleges.

About Edge

Edge is an independent education foundation. It is dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning, so that all young people have the opportunity to achieve their potential, and the UK's future workforce is equipped with the skills to be successful in the modern economy. Edge believes that 'learning by doing' is as important as academic learning, and that there are many paths to success. For more information visit www.edge.co.uk.