As associations representing many post-16 institutions and
leaders, we wish to bring to public attention the threat to a
qualification which is taken by more than 200,000 students each
year and allows many young people to enter university.
The government has recently launched a consultation which appears
to be loaded towards a conclusion which will sound the death
knell for Applied General qualifications, the most well-known of
which is the BTEC.
The rationale for this review is the introduction of new
vocational qualifications, T Levels, which are being phased in
from 2020.
Applied General qualifications are tried and tested, and
recognised by universities and employers. It would be rash and
reckless to scrap these qualifications in favour of T Levels
which are untried and untested.
Students can currently take a mixture of Applied General
qualifications and A-levels. This would no longer be possible.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, they would have to
choose either an entirely academic route and take only A-levels,
or an entirely vocational route and take only T Levels.
This would restrict student choice and create a binary divide
between academic and vocational routes. We do not believe this is
in the best interests of students.
It would also mean that post-16 institutions and teachers would
have to overhaul entire programmes of study causing considerable
disruption and additional workload in a sector which is
particularly poorly funded by the government.
Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and
College Leaders, said: “We very much hope that T Levels are a
success. However, that should not be at the expense of a
qualification which is proven and popular.
“Sceptics might be inclined to think that the government has
spent so much time heralding the advent of T Levels that it is
now intent on clearing the path of any potential competition.
“T Levels should stand on their own merits as an option that
attracts students rather than being the only vocational option
available to them.”
Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges
Association, said: “Applied General qualifications sit
comfortably alongside A Levels, helping students get into higher
education and employment, and they ensure young people develop a
vitally important set of skills that are highly valued in
universities and the workplace.
“The government may see the introduction of T Levels as the best
way to address the skills gap, about which it is, quite rightly,
concerned.
“But this should not be at the expense of Applied Generals –
these qualifications help young people to acquire the skills that
our economy and society need and we will be making the strongest
possible case to ensure they have a secure future”.
