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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2019/02/22/education-in-the-media-friday-22-february-2019/

Education in the Media: Friday 22 February 2019

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Further education, Technical education, Universities

Today’s Education in the Media blog looks at social mobility and T Levels.

Universities

Today, Friday 22 February, BBC Online, Radio 4’s Today Programme and the Times all reported on comments from The Russell Group and seven charities who have suggested that institutions may have to offer fewer university places if tuition fees are cut and there is no additional government funding.

More specifically, we are continuing to challenge universities to do more to address disparities in access by looking at their own data and admissions policies, to ensure that anyone with the potential to go to university has the opportunity to do so, regardless of their background.

The Office for Students also has powers to take action in instances where universities are not doing enough to increase access.

A Department for Education spokesperson said:

We have introduced reforms to make sure that higher education is open to everyone who has the talent and potential. All young people should have quality choices – and know about the breadth of those choices. The Government is conducting a major review of Post-18 Education and Funding to make sure we have a system that is accessible to all and ensure that funding arrangements do not act as barriers to higher education.

We need the access and participation work done by universities to ensure all parts of society have fair access. But participation also has to mean successful participation and that means focusing not just on admissions but on progression, dropout rates and ultimately employment.

T Levels

Today the department has launched the latest aspect of our T Levels campaign.

We want to make sure that parents and young people are aware of T Level qualifications, which will be available from 2020, and all the benefits they bring.

You can learn more about T Levels from our new video below.

T Levels will be the technical equivalent to A Levels and have been designed in collaboration with employers, to prepare young people with the skills they will need to succeed in their careers.

Qualifications will be available in a range of subjects, starting with construction, education and childcare, and digital.

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