HL Deb 16 April 1996 vol 571 c64WA
Lord Pilkington of Oxenford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in commissioning Sir Ron Dearing's report on education for 16 to 19 year-olds, they asked him to consider the Continental practice of there being separate institutions and examinations for academic and vocational courses for students over the age of 16.

Lord Henley

Sir Ron Dearing was invited by the Secretaries of State for Education and Employment and for Wales to consider and advise on ways to strengthen, consolidate and improve the framework of 16–19 qualifications. The full terms of reference for Sir Ron's review were to:

Maintain the rigour of General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced (A) levels;

Continue to build on the current development of General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) and National Vocational Qualifications;

Increase participation and achievement in education and training and minimise wastage;

Prepare young people for work and higher education; and

Secure maximum value for money.

Sir Ron's final report was published on 27th March and copies are available in the House of Lords Library.