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Qualifications Reform Review
12 December 2024
Lead MP
Janet Daby
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyEmployment
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Janet Daby raised concerns about qualifications reform review in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
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.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough
Question
O’Brien inquired about the Government's vision for simplifying qualifications beyond maintaining existing overlaps. He questioned whether today’s decision sufficiently addresses complexity in a meaningful way moving forward, highlighting the need for clear funding commitments and steps to improve T-levels.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by emphasising that while maintaining some qualifications was necessary for immediate clarity up until 2027, her department would continue to work towards simplifying the landscape with subsequent reviews. She committed to engaging further on how to make T-levels more appealing and easier to deliver, addressing concerns about work experience flexibility and dropout rates.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough
Question
The MP thanks the Minister but expresses concern over the lack of clarity in the Government's approach to simplifying qualifications. He highlights the previous vision for T-levels and criticises the current announcement, suggesting it leaves many questions unanswered. Neil O'Brien also raises issues regarding work experience delivery, drop-out rates, college support, transparency on review terms, and funding implications.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the concerns raised by Neil O'Brien and explains that the decision to maintain some AGQs alongside T-levels is designed to provide more options for young people and ensure a smoother transition. She mentions the commitment to raise awareness of the benefits of T-levels through career guidance and announces an additional £600 million in funding (including £300 million revenue and £300 million capital investment) for further education. The Minister promises to provide more details on how this will be distributed and addresses the request for review terms publication.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
The MP thanks everyone working in further education and welcomes additional certainty provided by the Minister. She raises concerns about colleges facing potential insolvency due to previous funding decisions and asks what support will be offered now. Helen Hayes also highlights the success of T-levels but notes their limited uptake and high drop-out rates, urging for reforms before any further changes to AGQs.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the challenges faced by colleges and invites them to communicate with the Department regarding course changes or issues they face. She mentions the £300 million investment in further education and emphasises the need for positive communication around T-levels to ensure young people enrol appropriately. The Department will publish more information on study programmes and outcomes of the review in the coming months.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Welcomes the Government's move to protect student choice and local decision making. Asks for a timeline on monitoring and reviewing the impact of changes until 2027, and about early years education where T-levels are being defunded despite previous warnings. Enquires about guiding principles behind course funding decisions and access to high-quality careers guidance.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the Liberal Democrat's concerns. Explains the focus on social care and childcare, with level 3 and level 2 placements available. Outlines ongoing reviews including a curriculum and assessment review due next year.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
Highlights the importance of the FE sector for breaking down barriers to opportunity and providing green skills necessary for economic growth, enquires about support for pay settlements in further education.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the contribution of the FE sector and notes that pay is not set by review bodies but recognises the need and role of the sector.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Question
Questions the creation of Skills England as a power grab and expresses concerns about the Secretary of State's control over technical education standards, likening it to unacceptable treatment for A-levels.
Minister reply
Promises to address the point with her noble Friend. Corrects information given in her statement regarding defunding qualifications before 2027 rather than 2024.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Raises concerns about narrowing student choice and accessibility due to the qualification review, asking how gifted students in academia and job skills will be supported.
Minister reply
Confirms that 157 courses are being kept and reviewed based on uptake. Emphasises focus on economic growth and ensuring opportunities for young people through T-levels and other qualifications.
Shadow Comment
Neil O'Brien
Shadow Comment
Thanking the Minister for advance sight of the statement, Neil O’Brien highlighted longstanding concerns about excessive further education qualification variety and complexity. While welcoming the introduction of higher-quality T-levels under the previous government, he questioned whether today’s announcement sufficiently simplifies this landscape up to 2027. He called for a clear vision from the Government on how they plan to simplify qualifications beyond maintaining overlapping qualifications. O’Brien also urged clarification on funding implications and commitments towards improving T-levels' appeal, ease of delivery and reducing dropout rates.
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