September 2024
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This conference considered next steps for the implementation of reform to qualifications at Level 2 and below in England.
It followed the announcement from the Secretary of State that the DfE will take a short pause and review post-16 qualification reform at Level 3 and below.
Delegates looked at the current Level 2 landscape following the announcement from the Secretary of State and the way forward following the review, which is expected to be published by the end of the year, with reformed qualifications at Level 2 currently scheduled to be introduced on a phased approach between 2025 and 2027.
Delegates looked at how best to prepare providers for delivery of revised qualifications. The agenda brought out latest thinking on improving the attainment and progression of learners, and assessing capacity within the qualifications landscape to effectively implement proposed reform.
The conference also followed the recent launch of Skills England which will be established in phases over the next 9-12 months, with aims to support collaboration between local government, businesses and the education sector to meet national and local skill needs. Delegates looked at priorities for the new body and for reforming the Apprenticeship Levy.
It was also a timely opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to discuss priorities for policy following the launch of the new Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, including implications for Level 2 qualifications. The review will look to drive improvements while protecting the role of examinations, and consider whether existing assessment methods are robust enough to ensure quality and reliability across Level 2 qualifications, with proposals from the Children’s Wellbeing Bill aiming to ensure all schools teach the national curriculum once the review is complete.
There was discussion on how best to improve the accessibility of qualifications for disadvantaged students and students with SEND. Delegates considered the role of careers hubs and guidance in aiding student progression to Level 3 and helping students navigate the reformed qualification landscape, as well as priorities for upskilling and retraining among the teacher workforce.
Delegates also considered the efficacy of the T Level Foundation Year in preparing students for progression to T Levels, in light of concerns over low numbers of students successfully progressing from the foundation level.
Further sessions discussed the use of Level 2 qualifications to plug local and national skills gaps, including how providers and awarding bodies can better meet the needs of employers and learners, looking at approaches to ensure that taught content is applicable in relevant industries and sectors moving forward.
The agenda also included discussion on routes and rates of progression to apprenticeships and other technical qualifications at Level 3, and pathways into skilled employment for learners.
We were pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Helen Kemplay, Head, Post-16 Qualifications Reform at Level 2 and Below, DfE; Karl Anderson, Head, Qualifications Policy, IfATE; Jenifer Burden MBE, Director, Programmes, Gatsby Charitable Foundation; and Ciaran Roche, Public Affairs Manager, Association of Employment and Learning Providers.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- reform: priorities for the Level 2 qualification market moving forward - immediate policy options with the Government currently conducting a short Review - preparation for delivery - student options - policy priorities for the future qualification landscape
- quality and standards: exploring best practice in Level 2 teaching and learning - preparing providers for delivery of the reformed qualifications due in 2025 - upskilling and retraining the workforce
- student progression: examining progression routes to Level 3 qualifications - assessing the impact of the T Level Foundation Programme - aiding student progression into further education and employment
- partnerships: priorities for Skills England - how providers and awarding bodies can work with employers - meeting the needs of students and employers - aligning Level 2 qualifications with local and national skills gaps - green skills
- accessibility: improving support for learners in navigating the qualification landscape - improving accessibility for learners with additional needs
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from DfE; Ofsted; IfATE; DBT; DSIT; GLD; HMPPS; and RAF.
