Commenting on a new report by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) today (Tues 14th Sept), Sarah Hannafin, senior policy advisor for school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"Government policy is having a narrowing effect on the curriculum which young people can access. Although the government’s reforms have seen a significant increase in the number of exams that students must take, the breadth of subjects is getting narrower.

"The EBacc measure narrows young people’s options at GCSE and this impacts their choices for sixth form studies. The AS Level qualification has been decimated because these exams no longer count towards a full A Level. And the fall in real terms funding for 16-19 education affects the number of qualifications sixth forms and colleges can offer.

“The government must act to address the negative impact that their reforms and inadequate funding are having on the breadth of education our young people can access, or they will be denying young people the diversity of education and qualifications that will enable them to be successful in our changing and challenging world."