Adults failing to make the grade

Union: one in five have no qualifications ONE in five of Oldham West and Royton adults have no academic qualifications, according to shocking figures released today.

The area is the worst of all Greater Manchester’s parliamentary constituencies and sits in the bottom 5 per cent in England, Wales and Scotland.

The University and College Union (UCU), which carried out the report, believes the problem lies with a “cocktail” of Government policies and educational inequality.

Neighbouring Oldham East and Saddleworth is also in the bottom third of the list of 632 constituencies — with 13 per cent of working adults (aged 16-64) having no qualifications.

And UCU regional officer Lynn Collins thinks the problem is likely to get worse.

She said: “In towns like Oldham it is vital that there are a range of educational choices available to adults who missed out on qualifications.

“Unfortunately, by introducing fees and cutting financial support for adults wanting to return to education it is likely that these statistics will get worse rather than better.”

The UCU states the areas suffering from low levels of qualifications will be further damaged due to the axeing of the education maintenance allowance; rising tuition fees and the introduction of fees and loans for working adults who want to retrain.

However, Oldham Council’s cabinet member for children, young people, families, leisure and culture, Councillor Hugh McDonald, said: “The number of students achieving five or more GCSEs, including English and maths, has risen year-on-year for the last decade.

“In the same period the number of students gaining A-Levels has also increased hugely.

“As the education authority we will continue to ensure our young people get the best start in life.

“The borough is at the forefront of providing learning opportunities for adults who may not have gained qualifications and skills the first time round.”

Oldham College and University Campus Oldham (UCO) are at the town’s forefront of further and higher education.

UCO public relations manager John Ramsdin revealed it is doing its part to raise education attainment with approximately 2,400 students graduating in the past six years.

He said: “Some of the reasons raised is why the university was created here and the results show that the university is going from strength to strength in helping the people of Oldham gain qualifications in higher education.”