Government Statement
With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I am making a statement on the outcomes of the review of qualifications reform at level 3. The Government aims to build a skills system that drives opportunity and economic growth. We inherited a complex qualifications landscape from the previous government which was confusing for learners and employers. This year, we paused defunding certain qualifications and conducted a stakeholder engagement review. Certainty is important for all stakeholders involved in education provision. Our decisions make clear positions up to 2027. Students deserve high-quality qualifications that meet their needs, and we must continue to develop and improve them. The curriculum and assessment review will consider long-term changes but some immediate actions are needed. We decided not to apply the previously proposed rules of combination, allowing providers flexibility in designing educational paths for students based on local economic needs. Over 200 qualifications with low or no enrolments will lose funding as scheduled. T-levels offer excellent qualification options and should be available to more learners; we introduced new T-levels this September and plan further additions. In agriculture, environment, animal care, legal, finance, accounting, business administration, creative design sectors, and engineering manufacturing, we are retaining qualifications until 2027. In digital sector, we will retain funding for six existing large digital qualifications until 2026, while also making T-level placements more flexible to accommodate remote learning. On health, science, social care, we are keeping nine health and social care qualifications funded till new alternatives are developed in 2026-7. In education and early years, the existing large-medium qualifications will be defunded as planned; six smaller ones retained for specific occupations support learners adequately. Construction T-levels have limited success due to lack of demand but offer a positive route into employment post-completion. One large qualification in site carpentry is kept along with 11 medium-small others. We aim to improve opportunities and quality, inviting awarding bodies to submit new level 3 qualifications this spring. Indecision over catering and beauty therapy T-levels will be addressed later.