Call for A-levels to be replaced by broader test

It says focusing just on A-levels – seen by many as the “gold standard”– is increasingly outdated and should be gradually phased out.

Instead, youngsters should follow a broader curriculum which covers not just English and maths, but languages, science and technology as well as other skills such as teamwork.

The move would allow young people to keep their career options open and give them more opportunities later in life, the report argues.

It has been drawn up by an independent advisory group made up of business leaders and academics which has conducted a six-month review of England’s education system, funded by education company Pearson, which runs the exam board EdExcel.

The report says there is a case for broadening the range of subjects taught to 16 to 18-year-olds.

Under the current system, sixth-formers usually take three or four A-level subjects.

Moving to a “baccalaureate” system is one option, it suggests. This type of structure – such as the International Baccalaureate qualification – typically involves studying around six subjects from different areas.

The review goes on to say that students need to learn more “softer” skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving.

“In broad terms they are the skills that enable young people to face the demands of higher education and career challenges in a global and very competitive environment,” it says.

In his foreword to the report, Professor Sir Roy Anderson, a former rector of Imperial College London says: “The content of this report aims to contribute to the debate of whether the ‘gold standard’ of A-level be broadened to include both more academic disciplines and teaching on the so-called softer skills, such as communication and team work, which are so important in employment and university.”

Sir Michael Rake, chairman of BT and president of business group CBI said: “Over the last 25 years and longer there have been multiple initiatives from different Secretaries of State which have not achieved the necessary improvement in educational standards.

“It is therefore time to establish a cross-party, apolitical approach to education to move on from our narrow, outdated focus with A-levels and to improve on the other competencies necessary for success including the fundamental need to improve the basic skills of literacy and numeracy which are at an unacceptably low level.”

Meanwhile Education Secretary Michael Gove has denied claims that his team is behind a briefing campaign against Ofsted and the chief inspector of schools.

It follows a furious outburst by Ofsted boss Sir Michael Wilshaw, who revealed he was “spitting blood” over right-wing attacks from two think-tanks.

However Mr Gove insisted he would sack anyone who had briefed against Sir Michael and insisted no one in his team had sought to undermine his position.

The Education Secretary said: “Sir Michael Wilshaw is a superb professional and an outstanding chief inspector. He is making the changes Ofsted needs to help raise standards further. No-one working for me has had anything to do with any campaign against him or briefing against him.

“No one working for me has sought to undermine his position. Anyone who did would be instantly dismissed.”

Sir Michael told a national newspaper yesterday the attacks risked damaging school standards by undermining his authority and Ofsted’s ideology.

It comes after reports that right-wing think tank Civitas has urged the Government to create a new body to inspect free schools and academies. The Policy Exchange think-tank, which Mr Gove set up in 2002, is calling for evidence from schools about whether the school inspection body is “fit for purpose”. Asked if he wanted Mr Gove to call off the attack, he had said: “Absolutely, it does nothing for his drive or our drive to raise standards in schools.”

In a new statement last night he said was “pleased” that Mr Gove had assured him there had been no campaign run in the Department for Education. He said: “I am proud of my team at Ofsted and seek always to defend them from unfair criticism and those setting out to make mischief, I have talked to the Secretary of State and I know that he is 100 per cent supportive of my leadership.”