A-Levels and degrees 'boost economy'

Ensuring young people receive A-level and degree level education boosts the economy by hundreds of thousands of pounds per student, a new study has found.

 But according to a report published by the University and College Union (UCU), the country's economy could be damaged by not having enough highly skilled workers.

 Figures show that the cost of state-funded A-level education is around £5,000 for the normal two-year course. The cost to the state to send the average student to university is around £19,000.

 The report, which was conducted by theInstituteofPublic Policy Research, added that theUKeconomy benefits substantially from sending students to higher education institutions.

  In total, the Government gains an extra £180,000 back from a graduate over the course of their working lifetime, compared to someone with A-levels.

 The report said the return to the wider economy for someone gaining an A-level is around £47,000 over their working lives.

 As well as the benefits to the wider economy, the report found many personal benefits from gaining a higher level qualification - which do not just relate to the life lessons learned through sharing student accommodation and learning to cope away from home.

 Copyright Press Association 2012