On 3 March 2021, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan MP, responded to TIGA’s calls to retain and enhance funding for Applied General Qualifications (AGQs).
In a letter to TIGA CEO, Dr Richard Wilson OBE, Keegan said that she understood TIGA’s concerns over the termination of funding for AGQs.
Keegan noted that in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, further education will play a crucial role in the recovery of the UK economy. Therefore, she continued, it is vital that learners have access to a wide variety of courses.
Keegan made the assurance that the Department for Education has consulted widely on proposals for reforming post-16 qualifications at Level 3.
The second stage of this consultation ran from 23 October to 31 January and asked for views on the range of qualifications that will sit alongside A-Levels and T-Levels in the future. TIGA’s response to this consultation stressed the importance of retaining and enhancing funding for current AGQs.
Keegan concluded her response by stating that no decisions have been made about individual subjects or the potential removal of funding for existing qualifications.
According to Keegan, the Department for Education are currently analysing responses to the consultation and will publish a final impact assessment as part of the department’s response.