The Children’s Commissioner for England has written to the Government calling on ministers to conduct an independent review into falling Level 2 attainment.

The call comes following the publication of research into the increasing numbers of young people leaving education at 18 without reaching Level 2 attainment in five GCSEs or the equivalent technical qualifications. Statistics from the research show that since 2015, there has been a 28% increase in the number of children leaving education without ‘substantive’ qualifications. In 2018, 98,799 children in England (18%) left school without five ‘good’ GCSE passes.

The report suggests this means more young people are leaving education with fewer of the qualifications needed to help them secure apprenticeships or advance to other qualifications.

In its response to the report, the Association of Colleges, has highlighted the value of students’ achievements on their way to Level 2: “It is wrong to describe those who have not yet achieved a full Level 2 qualification as having achieved ‘nothing’”, said the AoC. “Many young people are working hard and improving their skills using Level 1 and Entry Level qualifications as a stepping stone to progression. Their learning journey and their achievements should not be dismissed”.

The Children’s Commissioner has formally requested that the DfE sets out a clear action plan for improving opportunities for attainment at Level 2.