Margaret Levy, a scientist and dedicated teacher who was instrumental in developing internationally recognised core skills and work-based learning projects, has died at 97. Levy dedicated her life to improving education and training for young school-leavers over 16, particularly noting shortcomings in the 1950s and 60s.
Born in Chigwell, Essex, Levy studied at Tiffin Girls' School in Kingston during the Second World War. She later attended Westcliff High School for Girls and graduated from King's College London in 1952 with a science degree, followed by a master's in crystallography from Birkbeck, University of London, in 1955.
From 1958 to 1978, Levy taught A-level chemistry, physics, and mathematics at Southwark College. She encouraged young women to pursue science, helping them secure better-paid jobs. After her husband's death in 1976, she shifted her focus to educational research and vocational training policy, initiating a "return to study science" course for mature women.
In 1981, Levy was appointed director of the Core Skills Project by the Manpower Services Commission, a project supported by the European Social Fund. Her work in the UK led to at least three models that have had a significant national and international impact, aiming to bridge the gap between policy and implementation.