POLICY LAB

Leading change

The research and policy development hub for the awarding and assessment industry, providing information, ideas and advice on qualifications and assessment policy.

Overall position

We support the Government?s commitment to a world-class, rigorous technical education system for learners in England. T levels offer a real opportunity to develop high quality technical education programmes which offer post-16 learners an attractive alternative to A levels.

Action we have taken

Since the reforms started, we have

  1. Written to the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills to outline our concerns about T levels and to seek the opportunity for more detailed discussion. The letter from our Chair can be found here: FAB letter to Anne Milton and the response from the Minister can be found here: Letter from Anne Milton to FAB
  2. Established regular meetings between our Board and senior DfE representatives where strategic issues can be raised and solutions-based actions sought.
  3. In addition to member consultation events, worked with DfE to deliver 3 sets of workshops to support dialogue between the DfE?s implementation team and our members.
  4. Taken robust action to highlight our concerns about T levels, the implementation timescales and process, to the government and made positive steps towards resetting the relationship between government and the awarding sector.

Our goal

To have a post-16 technical education system that is valued and respected by learners, employers and government and which provides post-16 learners with access to a range of high quality qualifications which support their progression in to work and/or further study. This is achievable through the operation of a competitive awarding market which stimulates innovation and continuous improvement.

Key policy documents

  • FILTER