The Department for Education has launched a call for evidence on post-16 classroom-based programmes of study and qualifications at Level 2 and below.

This is part of the DfE’s review of post-16 qualifications in England to ensure that every qualification approved for public funding is necessary, has a distinct purpose, is high quality and supports progression to positive outcomes.

The DfE acknowledges that study at Level 2 and below 'supports a large number of young people and adults to access higher levels of study, unlock employment opportunities, prepare for adulthood or re-engage in education, and secure English, maths and digital skills'. The call for evidence aims to better understand what is working well and what more can be done to support study at Level 2 and below.

The call for evidence asks:

• Should alternative transition programmes exist to better support 16 to 19 students to access and achieve Level 3 from Level 2?
• Can access to employment be improved for Level 2 students of all ages and what would this provision look like?
• How do adults already in the job market use Level 2 study to upskill?
• What is the difference between Entry Level and Level 1 and how effective are the study programmes?
• How do providers deliver English, maths and digital skills as well as employment/living skills alongside the Level 1 and Entry Level provision for adults? Where do qualifications add value?
• How can we best support Level 2 and below students with special education needs, learning difficulties or disabilities?

Responses and evidence will inform the DfE’s approach to reforming Level 2 and below study and qualifications, with further proposals to follow in 2021.