Afternoon summary
David Cameron, the foreign secretary, has defended the UK’s decision not to support a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. (See 3.53pm.) He was speaking during a hearing with the Lords European affairs committee where he also said it was “disappointing” to hear the Israeli ambassador to the UK rule out a two-state solution. (See 3.39pm.)
DfE gives more details of Sunak's plan for new Advanced British Standard qualification to replace A-levels
Rishi Sunak visited a school in Finchley this morning to launch the government’s consultation on a new post-16 qualification, the Advanced British Standard (ABS). (See 3.03pm.) The plan is for the ABA to supplant A-levels and T-levels and create more time to allow sixth formers to take maths and English qualifications.
The consultation that opened today gives more detail about Sunak’s plans, announced at Conservative party conference, and aims to inform a white paper planned for early next year.
Based on the consultation, the ABS will come in two flavours, one named “ABS vocational,” which might include work placements and a version of T-level vocational qualifications. The other is to be more academic, with a minimum of three “major” subjects similar to A-levels, and at least two “minors”, including maths and English for those not taking those within their majors.
Majors will cover at least 90% of the content currently covered by A-levels, while minors will be half the length. Sixth formers will also do a further 150 hours over two years of “enrichment” subjects. The sixth form will also be extended by about 200 teaching hours.
There will still be grades issued for individual subjects, with the possibility of a certificate at the end but with no single grade given for the ABS overall.
