By DfE confirms plans to introduce new technical qualifications.
BTEC qualifications could be scrapped in England, the Department for Education has confirmed it’s new plans for technical qualifications.
But education leaders warn getting rid of BTECs is “reckless”, as it will harm the prospects of poorer pupils.
Twelve organisations have written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson urging him not to ditch BTec qualifications.
They estimate that at least 30% of 16 to 18-year-olds studying for a Level 3 qualification in England (the equivalent of A-levels) are doing vocational qualifications such as BTecs.
This equates to around 259,291 young people.
T-levels are set to replace BTEC qualifications.
BTecs are vocational qualifications taken after GCSEs, providing work-based skills in a range of areas such as healthcare, business and engineering.
Earlier this month, the Department of Education confirmed that apprenticeships, A-levels and T-levels – new, two-year technical courses which are the equivalent of three A-levels – will become the main options for pupils in England after GCSEs.
As a result, funding for most BTec qualifications will be removed.
The new system, which has been given the green light after a consultation with the education sector, students and parents, will be phased in between 2023 and 2025.
