Confederation of School Trusts Deputy Chief Executive Steve Rollett said: "The government’s plan for an Advanced British Standard rightly identifies some key issues in post-16 education that require consideration. These include the entrenched divide between academic and vocational pathways, and the relatively fewer teaching hours when compared with other countries.
"However, this announcement has arrived suddenly and we must now spend some time working through the detail of the proposal to see how it addresses these challenges and avoids deleterious unintended consequences. It is also vital that any government seeking to reform curriculum and qualifications works from the evidence and provides the investment and capacity necessary to deliver for all children and young people.
"On that note, many in the sector will wonder, in the face of significant current challenges for the workforce, in support services and the legacy of COVID-19, whether this policy delivers on government’s immediate responsibilities.”
