UCU response to IPPR report calling for return of polytechnics

UCU said the report's recognition of the importance of vocational education was refreshing. However, the union warned against falling into the trap of assuming some forms of post-school education were more suited to some students, particularly those from poorer backgrounds.

The union said education provided the best shot at social mobility for many people and they should be encouraged to aspire to whatever form of education best matched their talents, not simply be ushered towards a cheaper option closer to home.

UCU said further and higher education needed greater support in the forthcoming spending review as both would be critical to the country's economic and social renewal.

UCU president, Simon Renton, said: 'It is refreshing to see a report that highlights the importance of vocational education. However, while we welcome any moves that aim to give prestige to the vocational route, we fear this looks like a vocational route being pushed towards students from poorer backgrounds as a cheaper option.

'The real challenge is to provide a proper educational choice for people and avoid the class-based stereotyping that unfortunately clouds much of the current debate. Education is the best chance people have of achieving social mobility and they need to have the full spectrum of choice available.

'Further and higher education can play a crucial role in our social and economic renewal, but they must be given the chance to do so and supported in the spending review.'

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