Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 43
43
Rejected
Paragraph: 178
England's upper secondary education curriculum remains internationally narrow and specialised
Conclusion
Whereas many other countries insist on students covering a broad and balanced curriculum up to age 18, England is an international outlier in the narrowness of its upper secondary education. The average number of A levels taken by a student is just 2.67, and T Levels, the new technical qualification, offer an even more narrow and specialised route.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the premise of narrow post-16 education, stating it is already delivering reforms for a breadth of high-quality options, including A Levels, T Levels (with scope for an additional A level), and apprenticeships. It also highlights the Prime Minister's mission for all young people to study maths to age 18.
Paragraph Reference:
178
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Department is already delivering reforms that will ensure a breadth of high-quality options for 16–19 year-olds. We are clear that young people should be able to access a broad and balanced, academically focused curriculum up until the age of 16. This broad grounding ensures that all pupils, regardless of background, are prepared to fulfil their aspirations post-16. At 16 pupils are able to specialise, choosing from the range of high quality academic and technical pathways that become open to them. A Levels are gold standard academic qualifications which allow in depth study of a wide choice of subjects. We are also reforming technical qualifications at Level 3 to support young people to consistently progress to related employment. In the future, technical qualifications will be based on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s (IfATE’s) occupational standards which have been designed by employers and which set out the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that employers need. A streamlined qualification landscape will ensure young people can feel confident that they are studying technical qualifications which will prepare them for jobs in their chosen occupation. The breadth and depth of T Levels is unmatched, giving students a thorough understanding of the sector and the skills needed to work in specific occupations, as well as an industry placement which gives them valuable experience. T Levels are large qualifications, which involve substantial commitment from the students studying them. However, the Department recognises that some students want to take an A level alongside their T Level, particularly where it supports progression options and there is provision for this within the current T Level funding arrangements. High-quality apprenticeships are also available in all sectors of the economy, supporting young people to gain the knowledge, skills, behaviours they need to be successful in their chosen occupation. Finally, the Prime Minister has set a new mission for all young people to study maths to age 18, equipping them with the skills they need for the modern economy. Our ambition is to boost mathematical literacy and skills for every learner, regardless of their chosen education pathway or career.