Robert Peston urges Theresa May to boost science and maths skills

Political journalist Robert Peston today called on Theresa May to follow a London borough’s plan to boost science and maths skills.

He said the approach he had helped develop in Haringey will see more pupils taking science- and maths- related subjects and scoring better grades. It came as new research showed fewer children achieving top grades in the science, technology, engineering and maths — or STEM — subjects needed by businesses.

Mr Peston, who sat on the commission that developed the Haringey approach, said he hoped the Prime Minister and new Education Secretary Justine Greening “embrace many of our proposals”.

The borough’s plan will see a “Haringey Diploma” based on STEM subjects, accredited by employers and experts.

Two centres of STEM teaching excellence will be established and a STEM co-ordinator appointed to improve standards, with STEM professionals volunteering to help Haringey schools.