Few UK students believe school is equipping them with the skills needed for their dream job, survey finds
A new survey from tutoring provider GoStudent has found that only 54 percent of UK students believe their school is equipping them with the skills needed for their future dream job.
This compares to just 49 percent of students in France, 46 percent in Spain, 41 percent in Garmen, 39 percent in Italy and just 36 percent in Austria.
“Ranking first among the countries analysed is encouraging,” comments Felix Ohswald, Co-Founder and CEO at GoStudent, “but the reality is that it’s still not enough. Other nations are already making major investments in future skills and teacher support. Without immediate, sustained action on funding, training, and innovation, the UK risks falling behind.”
GoStudent surveyed 5,859 students aged between ten and 16-years-old and their parents from across Europe, including 1,000 families in the UK.
In the Future of Education Report 2025, GoStudent argues that 65 percent of today’s primary school children will be employed in job roles that do not currently exist.
GoStudent argues that while the UK’s education system is ahead of others in preparing students for future careers, high student-to-teacher ratios and limited access to early education could be holding children back.
Student-to-teacher ratios in the UK are among the highest in Europe, in both secondary and primary education.
“Smaller class sizes give teachers the space to truly understand each child’s needs,” explains Ohswald. “If we want to give our youngest learners the best start, we have to give their teachers the capacity to do that work.”
Just 19 percent of children under three are currently enrolled in early education in the UK, behind Spain (42 percent) and German (40 percent). Ohswald argues the UK is “missing an opportunity” as a result and should make affordable, accessible early education a “cornerstone of any future-ready system”.
Ohswald adds: “We can’t predict every job of the future, but we can prepare students to adapt and thrive no matter what comes next.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
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Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
To explore categories and submit your entry, visit the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.
