Recommendation 43

HM Government · verbatim extract 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. At 16, pupils are able to specialise, choosing from high quality academic and technical pathways. A Levels are gold standard academic qualifications allowing in-depth study of a wide choice of subjects. Technical qualifications at Level 3 are also being reformed to consistently progress young people to related employment, based on employer-led occupational standards. The breadth and depth of T Levels, including their industry placement, give students a thorough understanding of the sector. The Department recognizes that some students want to take an A level alongside their T Level where it supports progression. High-quality apprenticeships are also available across all sectors. This approach is underpinned by significant investment, including an additional £1.6 billion by 2024–25 for 16–19 year olds’ education, and increased funding rates. Disadvantage funding and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund are also in place to support disadvantaged students. We will continue to keep 16–19 funding under review. 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, aiming to boost mathematical literacy for every learner regardless of pathway.