Starmer scraps university target

University challenge: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has joined a long line of ministers and prime ministers who have called time on Tony Blair’s ambition for half of the nation’s young people to go on to higher education.

Is university right for everyone? A graduate jobs crisis and the growing impact of AI mean that more people doubt the value of getting a degree.

Comprehension quiz

How would you describe the meaning of the word “dedicated”?
Which of the following words is a synonym for advanced?

A: Progressive

B: Alienated

C: Bold

D: Primitive
In jobs like nursing, having a degree has become what?

A: A preclusion

B: Unhelpful

C: A basic requirement

D: A bonus
According to the article, AI is now threatening which jobs in which areas of work?

A: Hairdressing and beauty therapy

B: Law and computer engineering

C: Farming and agricultural engineering

D: Health and safety
Keir Starmer has announced a move towards degree-level apprenticeships, which will be funded by whom?

A: Employers

B: Parents

C: Students themselves

D: The government
The article notes that future earnings are not the only way to evaluate a degree. Discovering new things can be an end in itself. If you are thinking of going to university, what is it that is attracting you? Conversely, if you are not wanting to go to university, why not?

Glossary

Apprenticeships - When someone learns the skills they need whilst working and being paid.

Diluted - Made less strong.

IMF - The international Monetary Fund. Its main function has been to manage debt difficulties in many countries, often enforcing strict financial discipline in exchange for loans to governments.

Advanced Economies - Countries with high living standards, high incomes, established industrialisation and developed infrastructures.

Metrics - Measurements used to assess performance.

Starmer scraps university target

Comprehension quiz

Answers

Glossary

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