Which provides the seed corn of economic prosperity and social renewal. So we are investing in reform but insisting on results. Education is central to any modern industrial policy. It is fundamental to our economic performance - and not just an aspect of social policy, as it was too often seen in the 20 th century. People change jobs more often.
Skills are at a premium.
There are fewer decent jobs for those who lack qualifications and training. Since coming to office we have focused on improving general standards of education, as well as increasing the skills that a successful modern economy requires. Our priority in this Parliament has been getting the basics right in primary schools. Nothing is more important to the life chances of our children. Test results are up sharply.