Maintaining BTECs
14-19 funding will remain for the foreseeable future. The Government have acknowledged that BTECs have an important position in the skills agenda, and we have re-developed the BTECs so they are  QCF compliant for delivery from 2010.

‘What has the government said recently about BTECs?’

Parliamentary question raised by Mr. Laws:
Mr. Laws will ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what plans he has for the future of BTEC qualifications.

The Governments response from Sarah McCarthy-Fry:
“In our 14-19 Qualifications Strategy we set out our criteria for public funding. We will in future direct funding to one of the four national routes: GCSE/A level; Diplomas; Apprenticeship and FLT. BTECs are currently available within Diplomas; Apprenticeships and FLT and will therefore continue to be eligible for public funding. We have stated our intention to reduce the number of qualifications taken as stand-alones including the BTEC. There will be a gradual and managed transition to the new 14-19 offer as the national suites become widely available, with the primary consideration being meeting the needs of learners. This will not impact on the availability of stand-alone vocational qualifications for adults.”

Edexcel’s response:
We have been reassured that the government will not damage the critically important vocational learning provision at 14-19 by withdrawing support for BTEC before an alternative provision is in place and proven to work. Over the last two years, there have been 1.7 million BTEC registrations contributing to thousands of university places and providing the most respected employer qualifications in the UK and overseas. BTECs are recognised by an overwhelming number of teachers as an essential alternative to traditional GCSEs. The 2013 review is still a long way off, and a clear commitment is in place to provide a role for stand-alone qualifications. Schools and colleges can continue to invest with confidence in the success of BTECs for the foreseeable future.