Gove's 'golden age' of education didn't happen, says head teacher

MICHAEL GOVE: The Education Secretary wants a more traditional curriculum in schools (PA)

Education Secretary Michael Gove is obsessed with a golden age that never happened, according to the general secretary of the headteachers' union.

Russell Hobby of the National Association of Head Teachers says Mr Gove's belief that education was better in the 1950s and 1960s is misleading.

Mr Gove has made no secret of his desire to return to a more traditional curriculum concentrating on core subjects. He has called for history lessons to focus on British events so children would "take pride" in their country.

He also caused a stir when he announced plans for ex-servicemen to help to instil discipline in schools.

Mr Hobby was speaking in advance of his association's annual conference this weekend when delegates are expected to give Mr Gove a rough ride over his policies.

He said: "There are now five times as many pupils who get five A* to C grades at GCSE [the equivalent of the former O levels] than in 1968, but that age is held up as the golden age for education when everyone left school able to read and write.

"There was no golden age of education. It felt good then because we were only concerned about the education of a minority of children. If it feels bad now, it is because we consider ourselves accountable for the education of every one of them."

He also attacked the Education Secretary for his criticism of literacy standards in primary schools.

He pointed out that in 1995, only 49 per cent of pupils reached the required standard in reading and writing at the age of 11. The figure now was 82 per cent.

"Of course, we need to help the 18 per cent," Mr Hobby said, "but the way to do it is by helping to build their character and confidence, not by castigating what has happened. That will send us backwards not forwards. I don't dismiss the need for the core skills of reading and writing, but employers say they want people who can solve problems and work with colleagues as well."