Responding to the government’s announcement of a consultation on the introduction of the Advanced British Standard qualification, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“NAHT supports the principles of parity between technical and academic qualifications, and of broadening the post-16 curriculum.

“However, NAHT members have raised particular concerns about whether the Advanced British Standard will provide a qualification offer which meets the needs of all students and the way in which this policy will affect students who are not working at the current level 3 standard of A levels or T levels.  We look forward to exploring the detail of the consultation to see if those concerns are allayed.

"Looking at post-16 qualifications in isolation from the rest of our education system shows a complete lack of understanding of the importance of a coherent system from early years to the end of Key Stage 5. Each step should support the next to enable our young people to achieve their ambitions, to be prepared for their lives outside of school, and to take their next steps in education, training or employment.”