The government should focus on vocational schools, not grammars, says Michael Wilshaw

The outgoing Ofsted chief inspector told the Observer that every multi-academy trust should run a vocational university technology college (UTC) for youngsters aged 14 to 19.

He said that once Brexit happens, the UK’s vocational education system will need to improve so the country produces young people with skills to replace immigrant workers.

“If you’re going to make a success of Brexit, this should be the number one priority of government. Not grammar schools … Otherwise we won’t have the skills. And the prospects for growth in the economy and productivity in the economy will suffer.”

Wilshaw criticised May’s plans on grammar schools, saying: “I came into teaching and I came into this job to raise standards for all children, not just for the few. By their very nature, grammar schools are for the few, otherwise why have them?”