Vocational courses lose candidates

FEWER than half of advanced GNVQ exam candidates completed the course this year, the Joint Council of National Awarding Bodies announced this week.

The completion-rate for the "vocational A-level" has fallen by 3 per cent to 46 per cent.

Tina Townsend, chair of the joint council and chief executive of exam board Edexel, said that many candidates do eventually complete and others find employment and leave. But there would be an inquiry, she said.

Overall, the number of GNVQ awards was at a record 90,476, compared to 81,761 last year. Awards were given to 46 per cent of all entrants at all levels. About 36,000 sat the advanced level GNVQ, which is deemed equivalent to two A-levels.