Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist at the Association of Schools and College Leaders, responds to the results of the review into post-16 qualification reforms at level 3 and below.
“We are pleased that the DfE has stuck to its promised timescale to release the results of the review into level 3 reform and has listened to some of the calls from our school and college members. The decision not to impose rules on the combinations of qualifications that students can take, including new AAQs, is very sensible and will allow the required flexibility for schools and colleges to offer programmes that meet their students’ needs. In addition, the decision to pause the defunding of a significant number of AGQs is welcome, albeit this is only for a further year for most qualifications on the defunding list. This means that year 11 students can finally make their course choices for September and have a goal to aim for in terms of their next steps.
“However, it must be noted that this is only a short-term fix for September 2025 and the review has missed the opportunity to provide clarity for a two-year period as we requested. No government would ever allow such uncertainty to exist for students wishing to take academic subjects such as A-levels, so long-term certainty for all 16-19 students on both vocational and academic pathways must be an immediate priority. Schools and colleges have been put through a frustrating and turbulent time because of the chaos surrounding the level 3 reform programme. Hard-working staff and students deserve more respect and while this long period of uncertainty, inherited from the previous government, is finally over, planning for the curriculum offer for September 2026 must commence as soon as possible.”