Best Schools - School-leavers with technical qualifications in science and maths earn more aged 30 than graduates i

Tech courses can lead to higher pay than degrees as the salary premium for a degree was non-existent or in some cases a deficit, according to the study of more than 600,000 pupils.

In most subjects graduates overtook school-leavers by the age of 30. However, those from less selective universities with degrees in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) were still earning less at that age than those who took vocational courses in a similar field, the research found.

The average salary of these graduates was £26,000, compared with more than £31,000 for vocational and £35,600 for Russell Group graduates. Those in the study were aged 16 in 2003 and would have graduated in about 2008.

The study used income tax records to assess the salaries of school-leavers with vocational qualifications at Level 4 or 5 — for example diplomas in engineering or applied chemistry, which are higher than A levels — and compared this with graduate data.

International award for dedicated King’s Ely teacher

Dan Everest, Head of Computing and Digital Innovation at King’s Ely Junior, has been awarded a ‘Digital Leaders Star Teacher Award’ by Childnet International, an organisation which works in partnership with others around the world to help make the internet a safer place for children.

Dan was presented with the award at the Childnet Digital Leaders East of England Regional Event, which was hosted by King’s Ely. The main activity for the day was ‘Piranha Pitch’ – a Dragon’s Den style workshop where Digital Leaders worked in groups with pupils from other schools from across the East of England to plan a digital safety activity targeted at parents.

Danielle Antha, Project Manager at Childnet International, said: “The Digital Leaders Star Teacher Award is not something we have ever done before, but we thought Mr Everest warranted it! He has shown continued enthusiasm and engagement in the Childnet Digital Leaders Programme since King’s Ely’s first year of subscription and his passion for the subject is evident.