The #ProtectStudentChoice campaign is a coalition of 24 organisations, including the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) and Youth Employment UK, that are deeply concerned about the government’s plan to withdraw funding.
Members of this campaign believe that it is far too simplistic to withdraw funding from BTEC, and many young people will continue to be better served studying a BTEC rather than an A level or T level-only study programme. Their shared priority is to #ProtectStudentChoice by ensuring that AGQs continue to play a major role in the future qualifications landscape. You can read their joint position statement here and their joint letter to the Secretary of State for Education here.
#ProtectStudentChoice Petition
This petition is asking to reverse the plan to withdraw funding for most applied general qualifications such as BTECs and guarantee they will continue to play a major role in the qualifications landscape. Students should not be forced to choose between studying A levels or T levels from the age of 16.
For many young people, studying BTECs will continue to be the most effective way of accessing higher education or skilled employment. These well-established, high quality qualifications are popular with students and respected by employers and universities. They can be studied alongside, or instead of, A levels and provide an important alternative to T levels. Removing BTECs will leave many students without a viable pathway after their GCSEs, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The petition currently has 55,520 signatures as of 15th November 2021 and with your help it hopes to reach 100,000 signatures.
Sign the Petition here
