Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has called for BTEC qualifications to be saved, following plans by the Government to replace them with T-Levels.
During a debate in Parliament, Mrs Hobhouse called for a review of the upcoming defunding of BTECs and to reinstate their use to ensure that students from all walks of life and ability have the “opportunity and access” to education and learning for their future.
The Department for Education confirmed plans to introduce a ‘twin-track’ system of A-Levels and T-Levels, where most young people would undertake one of these qualifications at the age of 16.
As a result of this, funding for most BTEC qualifications would cease. Over 100 MPs and peers have urged the Secretary of State for Education to reassess their plan to scrap the majority of BTEC qualifications.
The Liberal Democrats oppose the removal of BTECs. The party argues that while there is value in rationalising qualifications now and again, forcing students to choose between A-Levels and T-Levels will “narrow the choices for students and impact their transferable skills”.
Speaking after the debate, Wera Hobhouse MP said: “Scrapping BTECs threatens student choice. Don’t get me wrong, T-Levels are a welcome development and I hope that they give future generations the technical skills they need to succeed.
“But, BTECs do that as well. Removing them altogether does nothing but restrict choice for those at 16.
“The Conservatives must also give further education the attention it deserves. It is the worst funded sector in our cash-strapped education system.
“Earlier this year, Jayne Davis, the new principal of Bath College, told me that further education in this country is at a tipping point. The sector needs a long-term funding strategy, not just catch-up funding.
“Further education must be at the front and centre of creating a workforce that has the skills to fill in the gaps of our national and local economies.
“Bath College is doing such excellent work locally, embedding climate and environment in our post-16 education curriculum.
“BTECs are very important to Bath: to those who study them and to the businesses that hire those who gain these qualifications.
“This decision to scrap BTECs is a short-sighted idea that will leave many students without a viable education and career pathway at the age of 16.”
