TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM Dr Ann Hodgson & Dr Ken Spours Institute of Education University of London

Dr Ann Hodgson Dr Ken Spours A MEDIUM PARTICIPATION SYSTEM Upper Secondary Education System has moved from a mixed low participation/achievement system (mid 1980s) to a low equity, medium participation school-based system (since mid-1990s) –Increased FT staying on but attrition at 17 and 18 years –Participation in work-based route relatively static –Attainment rates - mild increases but not the same rate as late 1980s –Differentiated attainment between vocational and academic qualifications –Evidence of polarisation trends and significant learner disengagement –NEET rates relatively constant Issue is how to move to a new high participation/high achievement equilibrium

Dr Ann Hodgson Dr Ken Spours REFORM WITHOUT FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE Reform under Labour Government - constant, piecemeal but not fundamentally altering the structure and culture of the system System presently trapped in this new equilibrium due to three inter-related factors –Academic/vocational division –Institutional competition and selection –Voluntarist labour market environment

Dr Ann Hodgson Dr Ken Spours THREE PROBLEMS - THREE RELATED REFORMS Unified curriculum and qualifications system (e.g. the shaping role of a diploma system) Unified tertiary learning system (e.g. strong area planning and accountability) Regulatory and social partnership approach to employers and the labour market (e.g. licence to practise)

Dr Ann Hodgson Dr Ken Spours DEVELOPING A NEW REFORM PROCESS Long-term reform process Staged approach and Tomlinson is the start –Curriculum leads to define values and purposes –Organisational support - the role of the LSC? –Labour market - beyond the Skills Strategy Linking with wider strategies - Youth Bill: Schools for the Future; Five Year Strategy… How to develop and maintain a high degree of consensus