The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has today published a Green Paper that sets out proposals to extend the educational leaving age, giving all young people the opportunity to remain in education or training until the age of 18.

In welcoming the Green Paper, Edexcel’s Managing Director, Jerry Jarvis, said: “Ensuring that young people are able to receive quality education and training until the age of 18 is vital if we are to improve attainment and meet the Leitch targets for skills.

“Edexcel is committed to providing broad opportunities for students aged 16 – 19, outside of the traditional academic route, through qualifications that focus on employability and personal development.  We want to encourage more students to continue their education post-16 from now, in preparation for the possible implementation of the leaving age extension in 2013.

“We invest in accrediting quality work-related and vocational qualifications which are delivered in higher education institutions, FE colleges, schools, training providers and with employers. Alongside A and AS levels, we offer a wide range of BTEC qualifications, NVQs and we’re involved with piloting functional skills.”

More information on functional skills, Edexcel’s new suite of BTEC National qualifications and the redevelopment of A levels from 2008, can be found on this website.

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