Nuffield Review 14 - 19 Education & Training

The Nuffield Review, whilst recognising these achievements, has also highlighted the
persistence of deep-seated problems concerning the structure of the system, its performance and the conduct of the policy process.

The specific problems mentioned are typical of those to be expected from a large top-down organisation trying to manage a diverse service at all levels. If the government wants to decide the details and methodology to be applied, there will always be problems of forecasting the changing needs of pupils, society, educational institutions and employers.

The solution must be found in a more student-centred, devolved approach that gives each child and its parents more real choice and control. Providers then can adapt to progressive change.