QCA has been asked by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills to review the overall assessment burden of the key skills qualifications and the consultation for this has already begun. While there are concerns about the type and load of assessment, there is considerable support for the concept of key skills.

The Secretary of State for Education and Skills has agreed that the combined Key Skills Qualification should be phased out from September. This means that new candidates will register for the individual key skills qualifications (Communication, Application of Number and ICT) from September 2001. Those candidates who are already registered for the combined Key Skills Qualification will have the opportunity to complete their programmes (by 31st August 2004).

Many teachers and trainers regard the wider key skills (Improving Own Learning and Performance, Problem Solving and Working With Others) as equally important, especially for students at advanced level. Employers and higher education institutions also value evidence of these wider skills. Schools and colleges should feel able to develop all six key skills, choosing those most useful to individual students for their 16-19 work and their future plans.

Institutions will have the flexibility to shape their policy and match key skills provision and expectations to students' prior attainment, needs and aspirations. Students should be given flexibility and choice within their programmes, with individual counselling to inform their options across key skills and levels.

The Secretary of State for Education and Skills has asked that:

"In terms of the implications for institutions and students what I want to see is key skill programmes offered to all post 16 students. Where students have not already achieved A* - C grades in GCSE English, Maths, or ICT their programmes should lead to the formal acquisition of relevant key skills qualifications at level 2. Where students are starting on advanced levels with the aim of pursuing a professional or higher qualification post 19, then institutions should support them in gaining at least one relevant key skill qualification at level 3."

There is therefore no expectation that candidates who have achieved A* - C grades in GCSE English, Maths, or ICT should also take the related key skills qualifications (Communication, Application of Number or ICT) at Level 2.

Achievement of grades A* - C in GCSE English or Maths does not give students the Level 2 key skills of Communication or Application of Number by automatic proxy.

A fully updated list of key skills proxies is now available on our website. QCA will continue reviewing the list and may extend it in line with recommendations.

An addendum providing further amplification and clarification on QCA's 'Guidance on the key skills units' is available from QCA publications.

The Modern Apprenticeships frameworks specify key skills requirements within their programmes. The national policy committee for Modern Apprenticeships (MANTRA) will look at the implications for key skills in light of the review. From 1st September all candidates beginning Advanced MA programmes will be required to achieve at least the level 2 qualifications in Communication and Application of Number.

The Curriculum 2000 review went to Ministers in December 2001. This included further advice on the key skills qualifications.