Vocational A-levels "no easy option"

Keywords Further education, Vocational training

Vocational A-levels are not the easy option, according to a report by the Further Education Development Agency (FEDA).

The report results from research with more than 30 schools and colleges that took part in the pilot for the new qualification. Students reported large amounts of research and assignment work. None of the students thought the new qualification is easier and those taking two or more traditional A-levels reported that they found the workload for the new qualification as demanding.

The new qualification has been designed to give young people a broader education that is more relevant to the workplace. Vocational A-levels cover 14 subjects that vary from business studies to land and environment.

Chris Hughes, FEDA chief executive, said:

In the UK, vocational education is too often seen as second best. Vocational A-levels are the best opportunity we have to end that perception.