HC Deb 13 December 1994 vol 251 cc761-2
8. Mr. Brandreth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what progress has been made with the development of an advanced diploma for the GNVQ; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Boswell

I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to advanced general national vocational qualifications—the new "vocational A-levels". They are a success. They are motivating students of all abilities to work hard and achieve high standards. Ofsted and the Further Education Funding Council inspectorate have confirmed that standards in advanced GNVQs are comparable to two GCE A-levels.

Mr. Brandreth

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he confirm that he will continue to do everything he can to enhance the standing of advanced GNVQs so that they are increasingly recognised not only by employers but, in time, by universities?

Mr. Boswell

Universities are already accepting advanced level GNVQs in significant numbers. Approximately 85 per cent. of people who applied received offers from universities and there is a gate project designed to inform universities and admissions tutors of their exact merits. The Government have done a great deal, but the task now is to ensure rigour and effectiveness in GNVQs and their acceptability by higher education institutions.