A government review led by Alan Milburn, former health secretary, is set to recommend increased testing in English and mathematics for secondary school pupils to identify those at risk of future unemployment. The review calls for formal assessments of literacy and numeracy skills well before students take their GCSEs, aiming to close a five-year gap between the end of primary education and secondary qualifications.

Milburn’s interim report highlights a concern that the current education system allows children to fall behind during a critical period without timely intervention. He describes this period as a "blind spot" where students’ struggles often go unnoticed until it may be too late to address them effectively.

Official statistics underline the urgency of the issue: over 51,000 children fail to reach the expected standards in reading, writing, and maths by the end of primary school. Of these students, only 8 percent later achieve a Grade 4 or higher—equivalent to a standard pass—in both English and maths GCSEs. Milburn emphasized the importance of early assessment, stating that identifying difficulties at age 11 and then waiting five years to see if students have caught up is "extraordinary" and detrimental.

The interim report underscores that almost one million young people aged 16 to 24 are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET). By age 18, nearly a third of those leaving school without GCSE-equivalent qualifications fall into the NEET category, compared with just 8 percent of students holding A-level-equivalent qualifications. This correlation points to literacy and numeracy as key predictors of future employment prospects.

To address this, Milburn suggests implementing simple, low-stakes checks at various stages throughout a pupil’s school life. These assessments would enable schools to respond promptly when students begin to fall behind, increasing the chances of successful GCSE passes and smoother transitions into work, training, or further education.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell has indicated that ministers are interested in broadening opportunities for pupils to pursue technical subjects earlier in their education. However, Milburn stresses that while subject choice is important, the most crucial factor in raising attainment remains early identification and support for those struggling with foundational skills.

The final report from the review is expected in the coming weeks and will further outline recommendations aimed at reducing youth inactivity through timely and targeted educational interventions.