 |
answer text |
<p>The department is streamlining and improving the quality of the post-16 qualifications
system at level 3 and below. We are strengthening the progression pathways, creating
clearly defined academic and technical routes with high-quality qualifications leading
to further study and/or skilled employment.</p><p>This clarity of purpose will help
students to make good choices and see more easily how their study will help them to
progress. At level 3, A levels and T Levels will be at the core of study programmes
for most young people. For other students, a combination of A levels with other high-quality
qualifications will be the right choice.</p><p>As set out in our plans for reform
of level 3 qualifications, published in July 2021, students will continue to be able
to study qualifications similar to current Applied General Qualifications (AGQs) as
part of mixed programmes alongside A levels, where they meet new quality standards
and support progression to higher education. For example, students can progress in
areas such as engineering, applied science, and information technology. Students will
also be able to study qualifications like AGQs as their full programme of study where
there is no A level or T Level, in areas such as performing and creative arts, and
sports science.</p><p>Qualifications that do not meet new standards or the criteria
for funding will not be funded in future. In the department’s impact assessment published
alongside its policy statement on level 3 qualifications last summer, we were clear
that students taking qualifications that are not funded in future will benefit most
from these changes, as they are more likely to be taking qualifications that do not
deliver the skills employers need.</p><p>Students will have access to higher-quality
qualifications in the future, including new T Levels. This will put them in a stronger
position to progress onto further study or skilled employment. We also noted in our
impact assessment that some students may find it more difficult to achieve level 3
in future. We are putting in place support for these students, such as the T Level
Transition Programme and the pilot academic progression programme, with the aim of
improving progression to level 3.</p><p>Alongside reforms to level 3 qualifications,
the department wants to improve qualifications and study at level 2, level 1, and
entry level. We are currently consulting on proposed reforms to level 2 and below,
and the consultation remains open until 27 April 2022.</p><p>Alongside the consultation,
the department published its initial impact assessment. This states that we would
expect the impact of the proposals at level 2 and below to be generally positive for
all students, through an improved qualification landscape that is high-quality and
better equips students for progression into employment or further study at higher
levels.</p><p>Our proposed reforms will result in a good choice of high-quality qualifications
to meet student and employer needs. This will be easier for students and employers
to navigate than the current offer of around 8,000 qualifications.</p>
|
|
