The young are left unprepared for life's real tests

A recent report says that nearly half of young people feel unready for adult life after finishing school.

- Rebecca Jane, author and entrepreneur

I'd argue the real figure is probably much higher-they just haven't realised it yet.

We continue to educate children as though they're living in the past.

Exams take priority, while essential skills - things they'll need every day once they step outside the classroom - are left off the syllabus.

Most pupils leave school knowing how to write a five-paragraph essay, but not how to read a payslip or manage a basic budget.

They're taught to memorise facts, not handle real-life tasks like booking a train journey, paying a bill, or even understanding a tenancy agreement.