Ofqual supports the DfE view that qualifications should be high quality, necessary, have a distinct purpose and support progression to successful outcomes but at the same time, warns against disadvantaging the diverse range of student needs and circumstances that the qualifications market needs to meet.

In an unusual move, Ofqual published its response to the Department for Education’s review of post–16 qualifications at Level 3 and below ahead of deadline, clearly setting out its views on the variety of reasons why qualifications other than A Levels and T Levels might be appropriate for 16 to 19 year old students.

“A broader range of publicly-funded qualifications may ensure greater equality of opportunity in accessing suitable qualifications”, claimed the response, particularly signalling the importance of applied general qualifications to students who are not suited to either A Levels or T Levels. “Barriers to progress may be created if alternative choices are unduly restricted” said Ofqual.

Ofqual’s response also highlighted:

• The need for flexibility in the size of qualifications – particularly for students with SEND, caring responsibilities or part-time students.
• Qualifications must reflect the breadth of knowledge and skills needed across industry; employers will always need a range of qualifications that cater for the breadth of occupational roles.
• There are valid reasons why similar qualifications can and should exist; a limited amount of qualification content overlap could be justified if a qualification served a distinct progression purpose that could not be satisfied by another existing qualification.
• It is preferable to have qualifications with fewer, more specific purposes, than to have overly-broad qualifications.
• Bearing in mind the scale of change the sector has dealt with recently, any changes made to post–16 qualifications must be manageable and given time to take effect.

The second phase of the DfE review of post–16 qualifications at Level 3 and below setting out more detailed proposals is expected in December 2019.