Simon Squibb Says Schools Should Teach Children How to Earn and Adapt

In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb argues that schools should do more to prepare children for practical life and work, especially as AI changes what computers can do. This article reports on Squibb’s post and his views; it is journalistic coverage, not an article written by Squibb.

“Kids are spending years memorising things a computer can now do in seconds.”

Squibb’s criticism centers on the gap he sees between classroom learning and the skills people need beyond school. He questions whether traditional subjects and memorization adequately prepare students for a changing economy. His post makes sweeping claims about AI replacing people who studied several disciplines, but offers no data to support those claims; the argument is presented as his personal assessment.

A call for practical skills

According to Squibb, education should include everyday financial knowledge and ways to earn independently. He contrasts these subjects with what he describes as an outdated curriculum, saying, “nobody’s teaching them how to pay tax, or how to make money for themselves.” His emphasis is on equipping young people to navigate adult responsibilities, not solely on academic achievement.

Squibb also draws on his own experience. He says he left home and school at 15, is dyslexic, and was called stupid at school. He credits the “real world” with teaching him sales and survival skills that he believes formal education did not provide. That account anchors his broader argument in personal experience rather than evidence about how all students fare in school.

Parents, interests and alternatives

As Squibb notes, parents might ask children about their interests alongside asking about grades. His suggested question is direct: “Ask them what they love.” In his view, recognizing what motivates a child can help families think more broadly about learning and future choices.

Squibb points to group home education as one alternative. He describes his son learning alongside children and adults, with older children helping younger ones, and says the arrangement lets his son focus on subjects he loves and understands. The post presents this as an option some families are exploring, rather than a universal prescription.

A political appeal

The post also addresses Andy Burnham, whom Squibb calls “the Prime Minister now,” urging him to use political power to change education. Squibb’s appeal links his personal criticism to a larger demand for reform, while his mention of home education places some responsibility on parents to explore alternatives in the meantime.

Squibb closes with a warning that children should not have to wait generations for change. His post leaves open what a reformed curriculum would look like in detail, but its central message is clear: he wants education to respond to technological change and give greater attention to practical skills, individual interests and different ways of learning.