Highlights of the week ending 4 March
It has been a busy couple of weeks since the last Policy Watch with several significant (and long awaited) announcements being made. Ministers finally responded to Sir Philip Augar’s review of higher education finance, with changes proposed to repayment thresholds and terms. Many worry that this could prevent those from disadvantaged backgrounds entering HE. The details of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement were more warmly received as the policy has the potential to support reskilling. The Government also announced it would not be pursuing a post-qualifications admission system at the current time. And this week, the OfS set out its plans for tackling poor quality provision. After waiting for so long, if nothing else the sector has some clarity.
The much-anticipated next stage of the review of level 2 and below qualifications has been launched. The consultation sets out new groupings of qualifications and which will attract funding. And Ofqual set out its conditions for the alternative qualifications at level 3 (i.e. BTEC, AGQs etc).
In the world of schools, there has been a significant change to the National Tutoring Fund with the dropping of the pupil premium. And Robin Walker has set out his approach to curriculum ahead of the upcoming Schools White Paper, signalling a departure from his predecessor. While the Public Accounts Committee has set out its concerns around school funding, following its recent inquiry.