Top scientists warn PM: 'Broken education system' is holding back the young

Britain's top scientists have written to the prime minister expressing their concern at the lack of ambition in the government's curriculum and assessment review, warning that the "broken education system" is holding back young people and the country.

- Rachel Sylvester

The 10 fellows of the Royal Society, the UK's academy of science, are urging Keir Starmer to have the "bravery" to think again and drive through "lasting meaningful change" to what children learn in school and how they are examined.

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has "rightly hailed the role of the UK's world-leading scientific prowess as a cornerstone of our economic strength", they write in their letter, which has been seen by The Observer. "Yet that strength relies on the next generation of skilled young people to power a modern, data-driven economy. Without bold reform, our broken education system will continue to hold them and the UK back."