What is the new Advanced British Standard replacing A-Levels?

Rishi Sunak is shaking up the post-16 education system with a new qualification called the Advanced British Standard.

According to the government, this will be a “new Baccalaureate-style qualification” for 16 to 19 year-olds that would combine and replace A-Levels and T-Levels.

As part of the proposals, pupils will have to study maths and English up until 18, rather than 16.

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Downing Street has admitted introducing the reforms will take more than a decade to implement in full.

Here Sky News takes a look at how it will work.

What is the Advanced British Standard (ABS) ?

The ABS is a new qualification “that takes the best of A-levels and T Levels and brings them together into a single qualification”, the Department for Education (DfE) said.

Students will be able to study predominantly technical or academic components – or a blend of both.

What subjects will pupils have to take?

Under the ABS, most students would study a minimum of five subjects at different levels – either major or minor (for example, three majors alongside two minors).

A major would be the equivalent of 90% of an A-level. It is not clear how much a minor would be worth.

Every pupil would be required to study some form of maths and English until age 18.

In some cases students can take four subjects if they choose “to focus on a specific occupation”, giving them time to take industry placements.

This could include doing “double major” in their occupational specialism alongside a core major in their chosen sector, alongside two minors.

There would be potential for “further ‘stretch'” for those who want to take four majors – similar to those who take four A-levels now.

What about pupils who struggle with maths and English?

Most pupils will study maths and English at major or minor level, but for those who struggle there will be an option to study the basic level they need to succeed in work and life.

This could include an essay-based subject where pupils can demonstrate written communication and understanding of the English language.

While English and maths will always be a requirement, those that want to take an academic route don’t have to take technical subjects.

For example, a pupil could take three majors in history, French and English, alongside minors in maths and geography.

How will it be graded?

The government has not decided how the new system will be graded. The DfE said it will “consider this carefully” so that employers and universities can understand individuals’ achievement.

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Are there enough teachers?

Under the plans, teaching time would be increased to a minimum of 1,475 hours over two years, which would be an extra 195 hours or 15% more than now for most students (equivalent to two and half hours per week).

The government has announced an initial investment of £600m over two years to prepare for the standard.

This includes funding for a tax-free bonus of up to £6,000 per year for those teaching key shortage subjects who are in the first five years of their career.

When will it be introduced?

The government has said the plans will take over a decade to deliver in full.

Pupils starting primary school this term are expected to be the first cohort to take the new qualification, giving a possible implementation date of 2034/35.

A consultation document will be issued next autumn, followed by a white paper next year setting out the reforms and how they can be implemented in further detail.

But with a general election expected by the end of next year, it is not clear how this could ultimately pan out.

Education unions said the promises of bonuses will not be enough to address the severity of the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.

Labour has called the reforms undeliverable and said it will focus on raising standards in state education if it gets into power.

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