Commenting on the government's proposals for a new Advanced British Standard qualification after its consultation drew to a close last night, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“While we support the aims of broadening the post-16 curriculum and achieving parity between technical and academic qualifications, we are concerned that these proposals do neither.

“This unimaginative qualification repackages A levels and T levels together but still forces students down one route or the other at the outset and is unlikely to help them fulfil their potential and prepare for adulthood.

“It’s vital the government listens to the concerns of the profession and reviews these proposals if it is serious about developing a system which truly puts the needs of students front and centre.”