Advanced British Standard

Last updated
Advanced British Standard
Year started2033 (estimated)
Countries / regions England
Languages English language

The Advanced British Standard is a proposed replacement for the system of A-levels and T-levels in England. [1] It is aimed at 16 to 19 year olds, and it accompanies a plan to increase the level of English and Maths taught to this age group. [2]

The proposal is intended to bring together A-Levels and T-Levels into a single new qualification, with students being able to take a wide mix of technical and academic subjects.

The proposal was announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Conservative Party Conference in October 2023. [3] The government describes it as a 'Baccalaureate-style qualification'. [2] If implemented, the new qualification would be expected to come into effect around 2033. [4]

It was announced that the government intends to start a consultation in Autumn 2023 to discuss how the qualification should be developed, and that a budget of £600 million had been allocated over two years for the development of the qualification. [5] This would include funding for a tax-free bonus of up to £30,000 over the first five years of their career for teachers in key subjects, with Further Education colleges set to benefit the most from this funding. [5]

The qualification was described as an "undeliverable gimmick" by a Labour Party spokesperson. [6] The Guardian reported that the plan appeared to have emerged from Downing Street, with little or no involvement from the Department for Education, nor the Education secretary Gillian Keegan. [6] Sky News noted that the forthcoming general election created uncertainty about the future of the proposal. [7]

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References

  1. Clarence-Smith, Louisa (2023-10-04). "What is the Advanced British Standard and how is it different to A-Levels?". The Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235 . Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  2. 1 2 "A world-class education system: The Advanced British Standard". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  3. "Sunak axes A-levels and reveals new 'Advanced British Standard'". The Independent. 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  4. "Advanced British Standard: Sunak qualification will replace A-levels and T-levels". BBC News. 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  5. 1 2 "New qualifications to deliver world class education for all". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  6. 1 2 Adams, Richard (2023-09-22). "Rishi Sunak's A-level overhaul plan is undeliverable gimmick, says Labour". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  7. Brown, Faye (5 October 2023). "What is the new Advanced British Standard replacing A-Levels?". Sky News. Retrieved 2023-10-06.