skip to main content

Sunak plans to replace A-Levels with new qualification

The reforms would see all pupils study some form of English and mathematics until the age of 18 (Stock image)
The reforms would see all pupils study some form of English and mathematics until the age of 18 (Stock image)

The British government will introduce a single qualification "the Advanced British Standard" bringing together A-levels and T-levels, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.

T-Levels are 2-year courses that focus on practical and knowledge-based learning that students can take after their GCSEs.

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, Mr Sunak said students will study five subjects rather than three under the planned shake-up of the post-16 education system.

The reforms would see all pupils study some form of English and mathematics until the age of 18.


Read More: Sunak axes northern leg of high-speed rail link project


Mr Sunak told the conference: "We will introduce the new rigorous, knowledge-rich Advanced British Standard, which will bring together A-levels and T-levels into a new single qualification for our school leavers."

He said that students in sixth-forms and colleges will spend more time in the classroom under the Advanced British Standard.

Mr Sunak told the conference: "First, this will finally deliver on the promise of parity of esteem between academic and technical education. Because all students will sit the Advanced British Standard.

"Second, we will raise the floor ensuring that our children leave school literate and numerate because with the Advanced British Standard, all students will study some form of maths and English to 18 with extra help for those who struggle most. In our country, no child should be left behind."

Mr Sunak added boosting education was "the closest thing we have to a silver bullet" as it was "the best economic policy, the best social policy, the best moral policy".