Review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 in England – Impact Assessment

Analysis of the effect changes to post-16 qualifications at level 3 will have on specific protected groups of people.

Documents

Review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 in England: impact assessment

PDF, 403KB, 22 pages

Details

This impact assessment accompanies the government response to the second stage consultation on review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 in England. This document has 3 purposes:

1. To outline changes to our assessment of the qualifications we expect to be eligible for public funding in future.
2. To provide an up-to-date assessment of the likely impact of the proposals of the review, as detailed in the government response.
3. To address responses to the equalities questions within the second stage consultation.

The impact assessment considers the following protected characteristics, identified in the Equality Act 2010:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• pregnancy and maternity
• race (including ethnicity)
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

Download the full outcome

Review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 in England: consultation response

PDF, 429KB, 68 pages

Detail of outcome

Summary of responses we received, along with the government’s response outlining the next steps.

Read this response alongside the government’s plans for reform of level 3 qualifications policy statement for a complete view of the consultation response and the post-16 qualification reforms.

You can also read the:

• updated impact assessment
• guidance for providers of post-16 education
• guidance for awarding organisations

14th Jan 2021: This consultation has concluded. Visit this page again soon to download the outcome to this public feedback.

Summary

We are seeking views on proposals to reform post-16 technical and academic qualifications at level 3.

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from
midday on 23 October 2020 to 11:45pm on 31 January 2021

Consultation description

This consultation is the second stage of the review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 and below in England. It focuses on level 3 qualifications and seeks views on our proposals for the groups of qualifications that would continue to be funded alongside A levels and T Levels.

The review’s aim is:

• clearer qualifications choices for young people and adults
• to ensure that every qualification approved for public funding has a distinct purpose, is high quality and supports progression to positive outcomes for students

We have extended the closing date of this consultation in recognition of the ongoing disruption caused by by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The consultation will now close at 23:45 on Sunday 31 January 2021.

Alongside this consultation, you can also read:

• the government response to the first stage consultation
• a call for evidence, seeking views on post-16 study and qualifications at level 2 and below

Published 23 October 2020
Last updated 14 July 2021

1. 14 July 2021Added consultation response and links to related impact assessment, policy statement, guidance for providers and guidance for awarding bodies.
2. 14 January 2021Consultation closing date extended to 31 January 2021.
3. 10 November 2020Added link to the first stage consultation response and the post-16 study at level 2 and below call for evidence.
4. 23 October 2020First published.

Original consultation

Review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 and below in England: government consultation response

Ref: DfE-00194-2020PDF, 363KB, 30 pages

Detail of outcome

Summary of the responses we received, along with the government’s response outlining the next steps on the principles that should guide our review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 and below.

This consultation ran from 11:30am on 19 March 2019 to 11:45pm on 10 June 2019

Consultation description

This consultation is the first stage of the government’s review of post-16 level 3 and below qualifications (excluding T Levels, A Levels and GCSEs). It asks for views on the high level principles and outlines proposals for the removal of funding approval for unreformed qualifications.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks.

The response to this consultation and the second stage of the review is due to be published in spring 2020.

Published 19 March 2019
Last updated 23 October 2020 + show all updates

1. 23 October 2020 Added consultation response.
2. 19 March 2019 First published.