The UK government is taking further steps towards boosting the quality of post-16 qualifications, accoridng to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, following the removal of funding from qualifications that overlap with T Levels and A levels in 2019.

The Education Secretary has set out new measures to submit to a 12-week consultation process, including:

• Putting employers at the heart of designing and developing all level 3 technical qualifications – as is already happening with apprenticeships, T Levels and new higher technical qualifications.
• Removing funding for qualifications that overlap with A levels and T Levels, while offering funding for alternatives to A levels.
• Ensuring only qualifications that meet a high quality bar and help students progress into work or further study are approved for funding.
• Making more qualifications available to adults, including new T Levels.

Mr Williamson said, “Now more than ever we must redouble our efforts to support as many people as possible to access high quality education and training, so they can get ahead and so employers can tap into the talented workforce they need as we build back better from coronavirus.”

Analysis published by the Department for Education has highlighted a confusing landscape of over 12,000 courses on offer to young people at level 3 and below, with multiple qualifications in the same subject areas available – many of which are poor quality and offer little value to students or employers.