‘Disadvantaging thousands’ – post-16 qualification reforms confirmed

Following January’s public consultation on the future of post-16 qualifications, the government has published a response document confirming that A Levels, T Levels and apprenticeships are to be the main pathways for students after GCSEs.

Within the drama education community, concerns previously raised about the proposed reforms included the likely defunding of Level 3 vocational qualifications such as BTECs and Cambridge Technicals, as well as the current lack of a T Level in drama or performing arts. 

The 68-page response features feedback from 1,345 sources, including 527 teachers, after the deadline for responses was pushed back by two weeks in January. Within the document, the government makes clear that they want to bring about ‘substantive change’ that ‘offers clear progression pathways for students’.