A-level reform on hold as ministers disagree

Reform of the A-level system has been put on hold for at least a year to allow wider consultation, education and employment minister Baroness Blackstone confirmed this week. It is understood that ministers cannot agree the best route to higher education and employment.

The biggest overhaul of the post-compulsory education system for 40 years was due to be in place by September 1998. Baroness Blackstone said this week: "We want to develop a single, over-arching certificate for young people, allowing them to undertake A levels or vocational qualifications, while also embracing the key skills. This would become the basis for progression to higher education and employment." The DFEE will launch a consultation on the future of post-16 qualifications in the autumn.