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Aspiration and achievement are essential to our individual wellbeing, economic and social future, and national competitiveness. But, as the latest set of public examination results excite and disappoint another generation of school students, the spectre of economic uncertainty increases the fear of perceived failure, whatever individual results demonstrate. John Ransford is chief executive of the Local Government Group There was a time when all this seemed simpler. Bright youngsters usually did well, whatever their background, and investment in private and state schools, backed up by parental support, led to good results, high education and the pick of the job market. Of course, there were spectacular drop-outs and personal tragedies, but by and large, academic achievement led to the glittering prizes. The seeds of profound change have existed for some time. Improved performance at GCSE and A-level have led to a long-standing debate as to whether pupils are brighter and applying themselves more effectively, or that examination papers are less demanding and the marking not so rigorous. The evidence is less clear-cut than generational perspectives would suggest, but the answer is probably a bit of both. This has led to both the A* being introduced to attempt the creation of a true elite, and the more prestigious universities rejecting even the most high-performing students. The impact of the recession has thrown this all into sharper relief. Some leading universities have declared themselves full before the clearing process begins, and thousands of unemployed graduates are on the job market. Some of the most prestigious graduate recruitment and development schemes are no more. Gap years provide a useful social purpose in developing individual maturity and perspective, but the gap is seldom sustainable as a way of life. There is a real danger of aspiration being blunted, investment wasted and a sense of achievement being replaced by a feeling of alienation. We cannot let the blight of a non-work culture in former industrial communities spread to a new generation of young people with the most potential. All this places a real responsibility on local authorities to stimulate their local economies, develop effective workforce strategies, and create a real vision for communities so the perverse outcomes are mitigated and optimism returns. The sector is often criticised for taking a cautious approach to the power of wellbeing – here is a real test which will be vital to our future.

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WHITEHALL

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