“As Head of Performing Arts and a music teacher, I have led the change from GCSEs and A-Levels to BTEC qualifications; not because they are easier, but because they suit the needs of the pupils we teach.” - Wesley Carroll, Director of Performing Arts, Towers School and Sixth Form Centre |
“BTECs give students an opportunity to apply their learning in context and draw from all aspects of their life.” - Bridie McGeorge, Lead Verifier, Joseph Swan School |
“Industry and business are constantly making it clear that school leavers lack the necessary skills to be employable, and the BTEC route surely helps to reduce this problem.” - Andrew Smith, Head of Design and Technology, Carlton Le Willows School |
“Many more students than previously, who qualify with Distinctions at Level 3, are going on to good university degree courses.” - Phil Coleman, Faculty Manager, The Colne Community School and College |
“Students who study a BTEC course are far more engaged, focused and driven - not only in their BTEC course, but this has had a positive impact on their learning and achievement throughout many of their other subjects - particularly Maths and English.” - Tom Berni, Head of Business, Orwell High School |
“The decision to make vocational qualifications 'broadly' equivalent has had a hugely positive impact in the UK.” - K Anstice, Head of Vocational Education, Lewis School |
“The regular success that many of our students feel from completing units and the whole qualifications serves to engage them further in other subjects and raise their aspirations.” - Simon Williams, Assistant Headteacher, The Charter School |
“The way the subject allows these children to express and deal with issues of real importance to them is empowering and develops their social and emotional abilities.” - Dima Khazem, Head of Health and Social Care, Hatch End High School |
“This area of study has enabled a small number of students to grow in confidence and has had a huge impact on their future.” - E Miller, Head of Land Based Studies, Garstang High School |
“Vocational courses are ideal in enabling students to develop independent learning capacities, which are transferable into and essential, whatever their progression routes and future employment choices.” - Helena Windle, Leader of Vocational Education, St Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College |
“We introduced BTEC courses at GCSE about 4 years ago when our attendance figures were one of the worst in the county, and we are now in the top five best-attended schools in West Sussex.” - Jo Waddingham, St Wilfrid’s Catholic School |
“Were vocational subjects to disappear, it would be a major loss not only to our centres and students, but also to the ability of so many learners to contribute positively to our society at large.” - Ian Gunn, Whickham School and Sports College |
“Without the Level 2 courses, many of my pupils would not have had the experience of further education in the sixth form or developed into enthusiastic, self-motivated learners.” - Sarah Millatt, Newquay Tretherras School |