Recommendation 28

The current requirement for all post-16 students who have not achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and maths to continue to study those subjects alongside their other studies is not working for the majority of post- 16 students and the Government must change it. Despite a modest rise in overall attainment over the past ten years, the progression rate from age 16 to 19 remains low, with over 80% of those who did not achieve grade 4 at 16 still not achieving that grade by 19. This policy can be demoralising for students and puts a huge strain on colleges and their staff. Whilst ensuring that students continue to make progress in literacy and numeracy is important, an alternative approach is needed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 112)