Michael has welcomed the news that more students in Dorset are studying the core academic subjects which will help them to get the best start in life.  

The new English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is awarded when students achieve A* to C in five core GCSE subjects including English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages – the courses that universities and employers value the most. New figures show that the EBacc is encouraging more young people in our area to study the core academic subjects. 

35% more students in Mid Dorset and North Poole are now taking a GCSE in these subjects, meaning they are gaining the skills they need to get a good job or go on to further study. 

These figures follow news that there are now 1.75 million more people in work since 2010 and university applications are at a record high, further evidence that the Conservatives’ long-term economic plan is securing a better future for Britain. 

Michael commented:

‘Young people in Mid Dorset and North Poole deserve the very best start in life. That means they need good quality, rigorous exams which help them gain the skills they need to succeed.  Sadly, under the last Labour Government subjects were dumbed down, employers lost faith in exam grades and our young people were let down.

‘That’s why it is great news that the action the government has taken to improve standards in our schools is paying off locally, with new figures showing 35% of young people in our area are taking up the subjects which will  help them find a good job or university place.

‘Conservatives are working to a long-term economic plan to secure a better future for Britain and a crucial part of that is delivering the best schools and skills for young people in Dorset.  These new figures show that plan is working, and we need to stick to it so that even more young people in our area can gain the skills they need to get on in life.’