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Green Paper: 14-19 education papers

14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards (2002) and 14-19 opportunity and excellence (2003)

In February 2002 the government published the Green Paper 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards to build on the proposals set out in the White Paper. It outlined the government’s vision for greater coherence in the 14-19 phase and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The consultation on the Green Paper ran from February to May 2002 and QCA responded to this consultation.

In January 2003 the government set out its case for reform and identified short- and long-term actions to be taken to transform the 14-19 phase in its policy document 14-19: opportunity and excellence. The key steps to achieving this vision include:

putting the needs of students at the centre of 14-19 provision
providing greater flexibility at key stage 4 by reducing the statutory requirements to the minimum essential for future progression and personal development
encouraging students to progress at a pace consistent with their abilities and interests
providing a range of appropriate opportunities, including promoting modern apprenticeships, individually focussed programmes on entry to employment programmes (for those not ready for apprenticeships) and student apprenticeships
encouraging a much higher level of collaboration and partnership between schools, colleges and work-based training providers to offer all individuals the widest possible range of opportunities
promoting high quality teaching and learning through a range of guidance and frameworks
increasing and improving employer involvement
funding 14-19 pathfinder projects to try out new ideas
providing financial support (eg Education Maintenance Allowances) to encourage young people to stay in education and training.

Longer term reforms identified fall into three areas:

a much stronger vocational offer with a firm underpinning of general education
ensuring assessment within programmes is fit for purpose
the development of a unified framework of qualifications suitable for young people across all abilities.

A working group for long-term 14-19 reform, chaired by Mike Tomlinson and comprising a wide range of expertise and experience, has been set up to advise the government on these reforms and it will be working closely with key organisations such as QCA, LSC and Ofsted. This group will offer an interim report within a year, with a view to finalising its work within 18 months.

Documents to download

> QCA’s response to the Green Paper 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards (240kb)