Posted on Monday 9th Sep 2024
Hundreds of college and school heads have signed a letter asking the government to pause a decision on BTECs for at least a year.
The former Conservative government had planned to defund a number of level 3 qualifications, including BTECs, in August in favour of T Levels. This was paused by Labour so the party could conduct their own "focussed review".
A decision is expected by December, which will be after many open evenings for the next academic year.
The Department for Education said: “The review will allow us to support students on vocational courses, roll out T levels and bring certainty to the sector."
The head of Salisbury Sixth Form College, Ben Hillier, was one of 455 school and college leaders who signed the letter to Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson.
He said not knowing what is happening until December is "hugely frustrating" because this will be after the open evenings for the 2025/2026 academic year.
"The most important thing for me is students and it's uncertain for them," he said.
"It's also stress on our staff and if they (BTECs) were to be removed there's a huge funding issue that goes with that as well," he continued.
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