Exhibitor Profile - DCSF
Department for Children, Schools and Families: 14-19 Reforms
The 14-19 reforms are about ensuring that education and training provision prepares all young people for life and work. This provision will motivate and engage young people, preparing them for life by giving them the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to succeed.
By extending the range of learning opportunities available, the reforms offer the opportunity to choose a mix of learning styles and content that is right for them, to enable all young people to stay in education or training until at least 18 and gaining the qualifications they need to progress into higher education, further education or employment.
The key elements of the reform programme are:
- raising the minimum age at which young people leave education or training to to 17 by 2013 and to 18 by 2015
- introducing a new suite of qualifications, Diplomas in 17 subject area at three levels by 2013
- reforming A levels with a reduction in assessment while ensuring that every candidate is stretched and challenged
- introducing a new extended project qualification for Advanced Diploma and A level students
- creating new functional skills standards and qualifications in English, mathematics and ICT
- reviewing and updating GCSEs
- expanding Apprenticeship opportunities
- supporting learners below level 2 and level 1 through foundation learning
- placing responsibility for education and training of all young people to 18 with local authorities so LAs can take a more holistic view of services for under 19s
- increased emphasis on science, technology, engineering and maths
These reforms will collectively encourage more young people to continue in learning on courses that they find engaging and that will help them to achieve more by 19.
The goal is, by 2020, for 90% of young people to achieve Level 2 (5 A* to C GCSEs equivalent) by the age of 19, and 70% to achieve level 3 qualifications by that age.
www.dcsf.gov.uk
