The Department for Education is piloting an Academic Progression Programme to support access to A Levels and mixed programmes of A Levels and Applied General Qualifications (AGQs) following the review of post-16 qualifications.

The programme will be a 16-19 study programme for students who have narrowly missed the grades for entry to Level 3 academic programmes but who have the potential to succeed with additional support. The programme will cover GCSE English or maths re-sits if needed, develop academic study skills and build confidence to progress to Level 3.

Providers have now been asked to express interest in taking part in the pilot which will launch with a preparatory year in September 2022 followed by two years of single-year delivery.  Fifteen providers will be appointed in early July with between 10 and 20 learners in the delivery years.

The Academic Progression Programme was first announced as part of the government’s review of post-16 qualifications at Level 2 and below and aims to support the DfE policy that as many students as possible can progress to, and achieve, Level 3 qualifications in the future by providing clear progression routes for all students.

The DfE recognises that some post-16 institutions already deliver their own progression programmes but is seeking to provide more consistency and evaluation across the country.

A decision on whether to roll out the programme nationally will be taken after the three-year pilot.