§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessment he has made of the effect that the general certificate of secondary education and technical and vocational education initiative will have on A-levels and university entrance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe standards set by general certificate of secondary education examinations will be at least as high, grade for grade, as those set by the O-level and CSE examinations which they replace. The GCE boards are already undertaking the minor revisions required to ensure that A-level courses, whilst maintaining their standards of excellence and providing a foundation for degree courses, also build naturally upon GCSE courses.
The technical and vocational education initiative (TVEI) caters for students, across the full ability range, following courses which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. It is promoting a wide range of developments, including the introduction of new A-level courses. Such matters are discussed with educational interests concerned at local and national levels. The Government are continuing to monitor and assess the progress of the initiative including accreditation and examination developments.