Commenting on the Government’s Post-16 education and skills white paper, David Robinson, Director for Post-16 and Skills at the Education Policy Institute (EPI), said:
“This reform offers the potential to simplify the current system and give young people more flexible pathways, rather than forcing a choice between only A Levels, T Levels, or lower-level qualifications. EPI has previously proposed the roll-out of smaller alternatives to T Levels and an overhaul of the T Level foundation year; the white paper signals a step in the right direction.
“The impact of disadvantage doesn’t stop at 16 and start again when some young people apply to university. Too many disadvantaged students fall further behind during the 16–19 phase, regardless of which qualifications they take. The government must introduce a student premium to ensure these young people get the support they need to succeed.”
