25/04/2008

More English Education changes

“The post 16 qualification landscape is changing and whilst providing more choice it also creates more complex decisions for those relocating to England.” Commented Fergus Rose, Head of Marketing at ACS International Schools, following the changes in English post -16 qualifications over the last month, and what they might mean for relocating families.

The Government announced last year that they would be introducing a new diploma-style qualification and at the start of April a large scale streamlining of qualifications was outlined with the aim of simplifying the 6,500 qualifications currently available. Then, on the 14th April the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA), announced that another qualification, the Cambridge Pre-U, was to be taught in 30 schools from this September, including six state schools, which would receive government funding.

However argues Fergus Rose “ The International Baccalaureate (IB), the qualification of choice for many relocating families, is still very highly-regarded both nationally and internationally and our own research has found it to be highly valued amongst UK University Admissions Officers, particularly for its rigorous academic programme, breadth of study and global perspective. As an international qualification it is independent of national intervention so its future as a respected qualification is secure. The decision to focus on the development of the new Government diplomas will probably mean that the IB will not be very widely introduced into the maintained school sector in the UK.”

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