Millions of Students in England May Not Be Ready for Next Stage of Learning

A recent report from Pearson suggests that around 1.65 million primary and secondary students, as well as over 250,000 college students, may not be emotionally ready and at the expected academic level to move on to the next stage of their learning. The report, which gathered input from almost 11,000 school teachers and college tutors, highlights significant concerns about student readiness across different stages of education. Among the top factors impacting readiness, special educational needs and disabilities, struggles with writing, and independence emerged as key concerns.

Key Takeaways:

At least one in three primary and secondary students (32% and 31% respectively) and over 40% of college students are not ready to move on to the next stage of their learning.
The top three factors impacting readiness at the primary level are Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (79%), struggles with writing (75%), and independence (73%).
At the secondary level, self-motivation (77%), independence (65%), and social maturity (62%) were identified as key concerns.
At the college level, digital wellbeing (30%), critical thinking (30%), and struggles with writing (28%) were cited as significant factors influencing readiness.
Nearly 1 in 5 school students (17%) and 1 in 4 college students (26%) are concerned about being ready for the next stage of learning.
There is a strong desire for more flexible, student-centred approaches to learning, including stronger connections to everyday life and enhanced focus on practical skills.
Over a third of secondary students (37%) want to be taught creative skills (35% of teachers agree), and 30% of secondary students and 16% of teachers want a greater focus on digital skills.
There is a concern that students are not being well prepared for an AI-driven world, with 31% of primary teachers and 44% of secondary teachers stating they lack confidence in teaching students how to use AI.
Clearer links between learning and career paths are needed, with only 8% of teachers feeling the education system prepares students for future careers.
Teachers, tutors, and home educators prioritize self-confidence, awareness, a love of learning, life skills, and an understanding of the wider world when considering student outcomes.
There is a call for a reduction in curriculum volume and less emphasis on final exams, with 58% of school teachers, 20% of college students, and 34% of secondary school teachers advocating for this change.

Statistics:

At least 1.65 million primary and secondary students, and over 250,000 college students, may not be emotionally ready and at the expected academic level to move on to the next stage of their learning.
32% of primary students, 31% of secondary students, and 43% of college students are not ready to move on to the next stage of their learning.
79% of primary teachers identify Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities as a significant factor impacting readiness.
17% of school students and 26% of college students are concerned about being ready for the next stage of learning.
35% of teachers agree that teaching creative skills is essential for students.
30% of secondary students and 16% of teachers want a greater focus on digital skills.
Only 8% of teachers feel the education system prepares students for future careers.
58% of school teachers, 20% of college students, and 34% of secondary school teachers believe in reducing the focus on final exams.

Sources:

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) - New findings from Pearson: https://www.pearson.com/uk/about-us/news-and-insights/2025-pearson-school-report-learning-for-life/
Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications - quote: "Over 14,000 students, teachers, tutors and home educators have spoken, and we have a real opportunity to listen and act."
Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind - quote: "We need to get children ready for the middle of the twenty-first century."