Bid to end exams passes charity test

Less academically motivated young people will have a greater chance
of staying in education under new proposals for 14-19 year olds,
says a young people’s charity.

Joyce Moseley, chief executive of Rainer, welcomed the proposals to
abolish A-levels and GCSEs and put in place a system that provides
improved vocational and practical qualifications.

“Putting greater value on vocational and work-related skills gives
less academically motivated young people the chance to stretch
themselves further, to aim higher and to avoid falling out of the
system early,” she said.

The proposals, put forward by a government appointed working group,
aim to raise participation in education and tackle the educational
causes of young people dropping out. It suggests a system
comprising diplomas covering a range of vocational areas and
academic disciplines.