The exams watchdog has proposed a major overhaul of the structure of A levels. Pete Henshaw delves into the consultation document and gauges the reaction from the education sector.

Proposals to abolish January examinations and limit the number of re-sits students can take form a key part of plans to overhaul A levels.

Ofqual, the examinations watchdog, also wants universities to play a key role in the design and “sign-off” of new-look post-16 qualifications.

It is inviting, too, a debate over whether or not AS level qualifications should continue.

A consultation document has been published outlining the proposals, some of which could be introduced as early as September 2013 – although the introduction of the new qualification specifications would most likely be staggered between 2014 and 2018.

The proposals come after Ofqual recently published two reports into A levels, looking at the views of higher education, teachers and employers and also comparing the system to those of high performing nations around the world. 

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