British pupls still LAG behind global rivals

 

 The 2013 OECD (organisation for Economics Co-operation and Development) analysis into reading, maths and science highlight UKs lack under performance compared to its counterparts in east Asia. The results show the UK has remained in a similar position to what it was in back in 2009, despite millions of pounds investment by current and previous governments into the Education sector.

    School leavers in the UK are among the least literate and numerate in the developed world. The tests placed the UK at 23th and 26th place for reading and maths respectively, out of the 65 countries analysed. The UK even slipped in Science, falling from 15th place in 2009 to 21st, coming no where near to Shanghai which came out top in all three sections.
   Britain's poor performance comes despite its above average spending on education. The UK spends an average of  £59,889 per student, compared to an OECD average of £50,951, yet has nothing to show for it. The previous government Labour invested highly in education and the current coalition government kept spending high, despite cuts in other sectors. This is due to education being the key driving force to economic growth in the Long run. However, education ministers have expressed concern that money is just being spent on unqualified teachers, with more quality teaching required. A educated and skilled workforce allows for an economy to expand, with the future productive potential of the economy increasing. This can be the explanation why China is so competitive. Chinese exports are some of the most competitive in the world and this may stem from the fundamental education of their population. This allows for them to become more innovative and efficient, helping boost their overall productivity.