AoC welcomes the DfE's curriculum and assessment review

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: “I am pleased to see Becky Francis appointed to lead on the Department for Education’s curriculum and assessment review, bringing with her an expertise and long-term commitment to supporting all young people to get on in life. I am particularly pleased at the clear focus on the best outcomes for all young people, on a broader curriculum which works for technical routes and on different methods of assessment.

"Last month, we set out the key principles that we would like to see adopted in the review, including addressing the English and maths condition of funding, improving transitions at the age of 16 and 19, and looking at the pathways from Key Stage 4 into technical routes. It is also pleasing that the college sector will be fully engaged in the review and on the expert group.

“As well as this very welcome long-term review of the curriculum, we need a rapid, subject-by-subject review of the current defunding of Level 3 qualifications. An announcement before 1 August could help to avoid thousands of young people and adults missing out on post-16 education between 2024 and 2028”.