Monday, 18 January 2010 18:44 Britons are being encouraged to have their say on education as the nation readies itself for the most important election for the sector in decades.

Independent education foundation Edge is offering the British public the chance to be part of the first ever election broadcast generated by the public, giving politicians no doubt about what they want to see changed in the education system.

According to Edge, 92 per cent of parents believe that changes need to be made to the education system, and 74 per cent of young people say it needs to be modified to better meet their needs. A YouGov survey last September also revealed more than three-quarters of the general population agree more quality practical and vocational learning opportunities need to be on offer to young people in schools, colleges and universities.

The broadcast will make the case for this kind of learning to be placed at the heart of every young person's education, to enable them to fulful their potential.

"The vast majority of the population want change in our education system and to see our schools offer a broad curriculum which places practical and vocational learning side by side with academic teaching, giving children the chance to acquire life skills and try things hands-on, as well as learning the theory," says Andy Powell, Edge's chief executive.

"Now is the time to send a powerful message to the politicians, which is why Edge is dedicated to making sure our leaders, who are bidding for our votes, realise the importance of education to the British public.

"But we don’t just want to hear from people about the problems in the education system, we want to highlight successes we can all learn from.  So we also want to hear from teachers, parents, students and employers in places like Barnsley, Blyth, Bradford, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Nottingham and Kent where changes are really starting to take off and young people are making the most of valuable opportunities to explore the many paths to success available."

The broadcast will be released on March 16, either immediately preceding the General Election or - depending on the date of the election - ahead of the expected launch of the political parties’ campaigns.

Jason Rainbow

(Pictured: Edge chief executive Andy Powell)