Advanced British Standard (ABS)

The Advanced British Standard (ABS) is a new qualification for 16-19 year olds that will put technical and academic education on an equal footing and ensure that all young people leave school knowing the basics in Maths and English. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the changes at the October 2023 Conservative Party Conference, and it will bring together the best of A Levels and T Levels into a single new qualification.

How does the Advanced British Standard differ from A Levels and T Levels?

Combining the best aspects of A Levels and T Levels, the Advanced British Standard offers students the opportunity to study a larger number of subjects at both ‘major’ and ‘minor’ levels. Most students will study a minimum of five subjects at different levels – for example, three majors alongside two minors.

Importantly, students will have the freedom to choose a mix of technical and academic subjects, giving them more flexibility over their future career options in work and leadership. It aims to provide equal emphasis on both technical and academic education and ensure that students leave school with a strong foundation in both Maths and English. Time in the classroom will also increase by approximately 200 hours compared to the standard time an A level student spends studying 3 subjects, ensuring a minimum of 1,475 hours over two years.

How does the Advanced British Standard benefit students’ future career prospects?

This new qualification offers students greater flexibility when it comes to choosing their subjects. By allowing them to combine technical and academic subjects, the Advanced British Standard equips young people with a diverse skill set, enhancing their career options and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market.

What is the timeline for the introduction of the Advanced British Standard?

The rollout of the Advanced British Standard is expected to span approximately a decade. During this transition period, A levels and T levels will continue to be offered for 16- to 18-year-olds. The first cohort of students expected to take the ABS will be those who started primary school during the Autumn 2023 academic term.

Will A levels and T levels be phased out completely?

Yes, A levels and T levels will eventually be replaced by the Advanced British Standard, bringing together the best aspects of both qualifications. However, A levels and T levels will continue to be recognised and respected by employers and universities during the transition period.

How will schools and colleges be prepared for the introduction of the Advanced British Standards?

The Department for Education (DfE) says the implementation of these changes will be carefully planned and developed in consultation with parents, students, and teachers. To help with the initial groundwork for the Advanced British Standard, funding of £600 million over two years will be initially given. Additionally, tax-free payments of up to £6,000 will be offered to teachers in key shortage subjects. This will be during the first five years of their teaching careers. This incentive will apply to teachers in schools eligible for the Levelling Up Premium, as well as to teachers in general FE colleges.

How will the Advanced British Standard align with international education standards?

The idea of the Advanced British Standard is to ensure that every student studies some form of maths and English until the age of 18, which will bring England in line with other major Western economies. The increased number of taught hours will bring the teaching time closer to countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, enhancing the quality of education in the UK.

For full information about the Advanced British Standards proposal, you can read the policy paper on the DfE website.