Commenting on Thursday’s A-Level, Applied General, T-Level and other VTQ results, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“The pressure of exam season is intense. This year’s Level 3 cohort faced more than their usual share of challenges during their education. First Covid disruption, then a cost-of-living crisis and a multitude of other ongoing issues.
“Congratulations to all students who received their results on Thursday. Congratulations to parents, carers and educators who supported them and have survived the annual intense exam season.
“We trust that future exam cohorts, especially next week’s GCSE cohort emerges with similar successes.”
He went on to add,
“Indeed, we look forward to the curriculum and assessment review announced last month. The exam system is narrow, overly prescriptive, and in need of urgent reform.
“But urgent doesn’t necessarily mean stopping funding for Applied General Qualifications (AGQs) such as BTECs and Cambridge Technicals. Too many young people – disproportionately from low-income families – risk being prevented from accessing this important education option.
“Not only do tried and tested courses need saving, but schools need longer term planning to provide courses. This is why in the last month, education leaders wrote to the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson requesting a pause on cutting funding for these courses for a further two years, whilst qualifications are robustly reviewed.
“The NEU welcomes the review of curriculum and assessment commissioned by Government. We hope the future will be more fit for purpose for those still in secondary education. Success is needed by all students not just those with the top results.”
