New A Levels introduced by ministers to boost the status of vocational education have failed, according to an Ofsted report published today.

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

John Bangs, head of education at the NUT told ePolitix.com: "The findings of Ofsted's report echo the concerns of the NUT. Whilst the vocational A levels have been a success for a small number of students, they over-emphasise testing and assessment. As happens only too  often, they were brought in too hastily, without sufficient planning and testing. The system needs to be redesigned to overcome the inherent  problems and address effectively the academic/vocational divide." 

Forum Response: Association of Accounting Technicians

A spokesperson for AAT told ePolitix.com: "The AAT is disappointed that yet another opportunity to promote the benefit and potential of skills-based qualifications to the UK's future workforce has been missed.

"Only by retaining its focus on, and funding for, practical skills-based qualifications (rather that purely academic or knowledge-based equivalents) will the government send a clear message that its priority is to raise employability levels.

"There is still much work to be done in raising the profile of vocational qualifications to position them as a credible route to professional qualifications. However, the best way to raise the profile of vocational education is to celebrate the benefits and distinction of vocational qualifications not to give them an A-level label.

"Vocational qualifications will only achieve status and recognition when they lead to high quality career opportunities.  For example the AAT Accounting Qualification, which is undertaken by candidates while they are working, offers the opportunity for progression to the qualifications of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) on the same basis as graduates. The AAT offer a choice to learners who want to earn while they learn rather than go to university".

Forum Response: Universities UK

A Universities UK spokesperson said "Universities are working alongside other stakeholders in education and employment on the Tomlinson review of 14-19 education to ensure that going into the future we have a system that  meets the needs of all learners, offers valued progression opportunities,  ensures high status vocational programmes, as well as challenges the brightest students. In the meantime, universities will continue to consider a wide range of qualifications for admissions purposes; we are always aware that today's students work hard to achieve the qualifications available to them."