Commenting ahead of the publication of new league tables tomorrow which are expected to show that only 45% of school leavers achieve five GCSE A* to C grades when English and Maths are included, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“It is unacceptable that only 45% of school leavers are getting five A* to C grades when English and Maths are included. Instead of leaving school ready for the world of work too many teenagers simply do not have the necessary skills to enter the workforce.

“Talking to businesses across the country it is clear that they have to spend valuable time providing basic training in English and Maths to new employees.

“I hope that the publication of these results forces the Government to reassess how English and Maths are taught in our schools. Vocational subjects have helped to boost pass rates but merely mask the shocking truth that too many children are not performing well enough in basic skills.”