Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Third Report - The future of post-16 qualifications
Education Committee
HC 55
Published 28 April 2023
Government response
Fourth Special Report - The future of post-16 qualifications: Government response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2022–23 · published 5 Jul 2023
Recommendations & Conclusions
26
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 91
Convene an employer-led industry placement taskforce with SMEs to tackle T Level scaling issues.
Recommendation
Scaling up T Level placements could have inadvertent negative consequences for other parts of the skills agenda by reducing employers’ willingness to continue with existing programmes such as apprenticeships, and supported internships which also require placements. The Department must convene …
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Government Response Summary
The government describes existing initiatives to promote apprenticeships and support young people and SMEs, but does not commit to convening the recommended employer-led industry placement taskforce or developing a strategic plan for T Level placements.
Department for Education
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32
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 136
Equalities assessment reveals disproportionate negative impact on vulnerable student groups from qualification reforms.
Conclusion
We are disappointed that the Department’s equalities impact assessment identifies that students with special educational needs and disabilities, Asian ethnic groups, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and males are disproportionately likely to be affected by the Department’s qualification reforms. The Department’s …
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Government Response Summary
The government defends its Level 3 qualification reforms by highlighting issues with existing qualifications, such as low enrolments, lack of employer standards alignment, and poor progression to related occupations or university outcomes, particularly for BTEC students. It does not directly address the committee's specific concerns regarding the inadequacy of its equalities impact assessment.
Department for Education
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33
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 137
Unclear number of students with protected characteristics disadvantaged by reforms, risking rise in NEET.
Conclusion
The Department’s equalities impact assessment identifies that some students with protected characteristics may be disadvantaged by the reforms as they may no longer be able to progress to a level 3 qualification. We heard that this could result in a …
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Government Response Summary
The government justified its reforms to Level 3 qualifications, citing low enrolments in existing programs and better university outcomes for A Levels compared to BTECs. It did not address the committee's concern about the unclear number of students who might be disadvantaged by the reforms or the specific equality impact.
Department for Education
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