Scrapping of hair and beauty T-level underlines need to suspend defunding of other qualifications, says ASCL

Responding to the announcement that the government is dropping plans to introduce a combined T-level in hair and beauty, Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist at the Association of Schools and College Leaders, said:

“Rolling out an entire new system of qualifications was never going to be completely plain sailing and it’s encouraging that, in this instance, the government has recognised it has made an error and has listened to the needs of the profession. However, this will leave many schools and colleges in limbo who have spent time and money getting ready for teaching these qualifications this year, and will have offered places to students as a result. This will mean considerable disruption and disappointment for many. It begs the question as to why there is such a rush to dispense with so many BTECs and similar qualifications before T-levels have been properly embedded. The government should suspend the defunding process so that the rushed rollout of T-levels doesn't leave thousands of students without a viable post-16 pathway.”