Last month saw the refreshing of Ofqual’s corporate plan for 2016 through to 2019. It sets out a number of key objectives that Ofqual wants to achieve over the next 3 years, and reading between the lines, we can also get an inkling of the challenges Ofqual will be facing during that period.
Ofqual has set out its key objectives in this plan; “covering standards maintenance and reform in both general and vocational qualifications, as well as our own organisational development.” This sets the theme for the plan, focusing on the introduction and regulation of new qualifications in the GCSE and Functional Skills spaces, continued rigour around Technical and Professional Education (TPE) and efficiency savings in the way Ofqual operates.
The most visible aspects of Ofqual’s work over the next few months will be the accreditation of the new GCSE qualifications (with maths and English being taught from as early as September this year) and the establishment of the new 9–1 + U grading system. This represents a significant challenge for both Ofqual and the sector more broadly, not only in establishing the new grades, but making them meaningful to employers, learners and their parents.
Ofqual will also support “major programmes to expand and reform Apprenticeships”, contributing to the end point assessments within reformed Apprenticeships where we are asked to do this. Again, this represents a challenge for Ofqual, as the Trailblazer groups writing the new Apprenticeship Standards may not wish for Ofqual to be involved. While some Trailblazer groups have actively sought out Ofqual involvement, others haven’t engaged with them at all.
Another key set of challenges is around Ofqual’s ongoing desire to create “clear vocational progression routes” supporting the forthcoming review of Technical and Professional Education (TPE). This involves them scrutinising “licence to practice” qualifications and gathering employer views on high volume qualifications – clearly looking to reinforce the quality and rigour of qualifications in this space. Ofqual will also advise on assessment and qualification issues associated with the new Functional Skills qualifications and pilot them before they’re made available.
Bear in mind this period also covers the recruitment of Sally Collier as the new Chief Regulator, a candidate who faces a steep learning curve as she has little prior experience of the education sector. No small challenge there then!
So, in summary, a challenging set of objectives for Ofqual and its new regulator, as it continues to support the ongoing changes in the compulsory education and TPE sectors. We’ll be working very closely with them to ensure that these are implemented in a way that benefits learners and supports their learning aspirations.
