Levelling up – the buzzword on everyone’s lips since it was first unveiled by the government in February this year. Despite the ongoing arguments about what levelling up means in practice, it was delivered as a strategy that would distribute social and economic opportunities more equally across the UK.

Frustratingly, however, this year’s GCSE results proved to be another example of just how necessary a successful levelling up strategy is, revealing a 10.2 per cent gap in attainment between students in Yorkshire and London.

As an employer in the North and in my role as UK Regional Director at GFT, I have seen first-hand how a lack of available regional talent can impact a business and an industry. Having worked in the tech industry for more than 20 years, a shortage of available talent has existed in our sector for as long as I can remember. But in recent years the lack of talent has been a considerable barrier for organisations in our sector.

For a region like Yorkshire, which has thriving – but arguably nascent – tech communities in cities like Leeds, it is imperative we provide the future generation with the skills and tools they need to make the most of the emerging sectors we have in our cities. That must start at school age.

In Yorkshire, 22.4 per cent of students achieved a 7/A or above this year, whilst 32.6 per cent of students achieved the same grades in London. It’s important to acknowledge that prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, progress was being made to reduce this gap. This year’s results, however, highlights the impact of regional disparities in restrictions and access to education on the performance of students in the region.

So, how can we change this?

Prior to the ‘levelling up’ agenda, the Northern Powerhouse strategy existed to boost Northern businesses and support regional infrastructure development. However, over a decade on, we are yet to see any tangible investment into the infrastructure and foundations that will guarantee the success of the levelling up agenda.

Whilst local authorities are responsible for ensuring there is better investment going into schools, it’s equally as important for the business community and decision makers across the region to highlight the impact funding into educational infrastructure has on the regional job market.

Leeds currently ranks 8th place in the top tech cities within the UK according to a CBRE report, and the number of tech companies setting up base in the city has increased by 59 per cent over the last seven years.

To ensure this growth continues and further investment is made, however, we need continuous funding for education to foster home-grown talent and support employment opportunities across the region. In doing so, we’re supporting businesses and making sure our thriving tech scene remains buoyant and continues to contribute to the local economy.

Whilst investment into education lays the foundation for success, improving connection and collaboration between Northern towns and cities is equally as important to encourage a more circular regional economy.

For example, there is an opportunity for the North to become a pioneering region in T-Levels.

A 10.2 per cent gap in attainment between Yorkshire and London is a gap we must all strive to close – whether that’s by increasing opportunities for young people in business or supporting local schools by demonstrating to pupils what careers are out there for them. We can’t make levelling up a success if we don’t.

Pete Coulter is the UK regional director at GFT.

Bridging the education attainment gap is key to levelling up - Pete Coulter