The #ProtectStudentChoice campaign is opposed to government proposals that will change the options available for students at post-16 study. This explainer provides an outline of what the Government proposals are, the reasons for these changes and the response of Youth Employment UK.
Current Offer
At present, young people in England are able to choose from the following options at the age of 16:
- A-Levels
- T-Levels
- Vocational Technical Qualifications (such as BTECs)
- Apprenticeships
Government Plans
In July 2021, the Department for Education confirmed their plans to streamline the choices for young people post-16, with an intention of making A Levels, T Levels, and apprenticeships the main routes for education and training for young people after completing their GCSEs.
As a result, the Government undertook a period of consultation and evaluation to review which Level 3 qualifications would have their funding withdrawn from the 1st of August 2024.
The 160 vocational qualifications that will have their funding withdrawn are viewed as overlapping with T Levels. The full list of these qualifications that are at risk of being defunded can be found here.
Included in the 160 vocational qualifications that are set to be defunded are 38 BTECs, which include courses such as Health & Social Care. Health & Social Care has been a hugely popular choice for many young people, who choose to enrol onto Level 3 qualifications.
Response
In response to these proposals the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Youth Employment (APPG), of which Youth Employment UK are a part of, led an inquiry in to the Impact of Vocational Qualifications on Young People’s Employment and Labour Market Outcomes.
This report showed that Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups, those living with Special Education Needs and young people living in coastal areas are more likely to be enrolled in vocational qualifications.
Youth Employment UK also held a Youth Voice Forum to discuss vocational education and the proposed changes with young people. The discussion revealed that young people saw BTECs as a valuable option for post-16 study and provided a valuable option for young people. You can read more about the session here.
Cutting funding for vocational qualifications is concerning as the evidence shows they provide more educational choice especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, these young people from marginalised backgrounds usually do not have the GCSE entry requirements to enrol on to a T Level.
What next?
Following the Government announcement to defund BTEC courses a campaign was created to #ProtectStudentChoice. The campaign is concerned about the impacts of defining BTEC courses and argues that such a move restricts student choice when it comes to their post-16 options.
The issue is to be debated in Parliament next week on Monday 18th July following an e-petition calling to protect BTEC funding reached 100,000 signatures of support.
What can I do?
If you would like to know more information about the campaign hit the link below.
#protectstudentchoiceYou can also show your support through the following actions:
- Write to your local MP to secure their support
- Tweet support using the #ProtectStudentChoice hashtag
- Contact local schools and colleges and ask them to join the campaign
- Contact local employers and universities to ask them to support the campaign
- Share your success stories of BTECs and other VTQs
