As pupils question whether degrees represent value for money, heads say that more companies were hiring those with technical and business skills Getty ImagesPrivate schools are encouraging more pupils to learn a trade as they move away from pushing all students towards university. The numbers at independent schools taking Btec vocational qualifications at a standard equivalent to A levels has doubled in the past four years, analysis by The Times has found. With pupils questioning whether degrees give value for money, heads said that more companies were hiring those with technical and business skills. Independent school students are taking Btecs in subjects such as construction, animal management, engineering and agriculture to prepare for the workplace. Fewer than half who take the vocational qualifications at sixth form go to university.

Source: The Times August 25, 2017 23:00 UTC