SCHOOLS will receive an extra pound;35 million to introduce A-level reforms after ministers were forced to admit the project could fail without extra funding.
The U-turn comes after months of protests from headteachers’ leaders who argued that the quality of sixth-form education would be jeopardised unless extra cash was found. The new money could provide around an extra pound;350 for every pupil starting the sixth form next September. But the amount awarded will vary, depending on the school’s size.
Under the changes, to be introduced in September next year, sixth-formers will be expected to take up to five subjects in their first year. A revised AS qualification will also be introduced as part of new-look modular A-levels as well as revised GNVQs and new key skills qualifications.
Earlier this year education minister Baroness Blackstone had told The TES the reforms did not need extra funding
John Dunford, general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, said: “We shall now look to authorities to ensure that this money is passed on to schools.”