Heads have “serious concerns” that the Government is not promoting the teaching of employability and entrepreneurial skills in schools, according to a damning new report.

Members of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust’s (SSAT) business and enterprise steering group have warned that they are “disappointed” Coalition ministers have failed to give more support to pupils keen to learn about entrepreneurship.

The group, made up of around 300 secondary heads, is lobbying MPs to support their calls for a “coherent programme” of employability skills in schools, and statutory work-related learning for 14 to 16-year-olds.

“We are making every effort to fill the void and absence of thinking around this learning,” said Tony Bloxham, group chair and principal of Preston School in Yeovil.

“The place of business and enterprise education in the curriculum has never been more important as we seek to provide our learners with the values, skills, knowledge and attributes necessary for the economic recovery and future growth.”

The report says “much of the excellent work that has taken place will be lost” if the Government does not support business and enterprise education.

“It is vital for future national economic prosperity that the education system prepares young people effectively for employment and self- employment.

“This requires developing pupils’ capabilities to turn creative ideas into commercial and social enterprises,” it says.

The report says that the Government should “consider” making work experience statutory for 11 to 14-year-olds.