The GCSE achievements of young people across the county is encouraging, not only for the individuals but also for their families.

The results for 2005 show an overall improved performance and early indications at a local level show a similar picture. This is a testament to the hard work of the students, teachers, schools and colleges and the support of parents and guardians throughout the year.

While young people are celebrating their achievements and ambitiously planning their futures, we are hearing accusations of exams becoming 'easier' and some employers saying that young people are not leaving education with the skills they require.

This should not detract from the achievements of the young people who have studied hard to be rewarded with good grades.

The government's White Paper on 14-19 Education puts the emphasis on a partnership approach with employers in the development of a new system of diplomas to meet the skills needs of the future.

This visionary approach will fill the skills gap and remove the employers' concerns that the current system is not providing the skills they require, by giving them the opportunity to contribute in the development of the diplomas.

The diplomas will contain both specialised materials and GCSE or A-Levels and will be delivered at three levels - foundation, GCSE and advanced - with a key focus on literacy and numeracy.

Sector Skills Councils will lead this reform and have a key role in determining what the 'lines of learning' should be and in deciding the detail of the diplomas.

These new qualifications, which we anticipate being in place in 2007/8, must be valued by employers to achieve real benefit to young people. Reform of qualifications is not a quick fix, nor will it solve the problems of the system on its own, but when accompanied by high standards in delivery, provision and input from employers and higher education, aspiration and opportunity will be transformed forever.