Bacc to the Drawing Board

For the past twenty years, Edge has been calling for an education system that allows young people to develop knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines to best prepare them for work and life - a truly broad and balanced approach. Our current education system is too narrow, with the vast majority of 16-18 year olds choosing to do A Levels over vocational or technical subjects. And whilst there are - in theory - many combinations of A Levels, students in England take an average of only 2.7 subjects. We need more breadth so that young people can explore a wider range of options and develop the skills that are highly valued by employers and be prepared for the rapidly changing world of work.

The idea of a baccalaureate has been gaining steam in recent years across the sector including from the House of Commons Education Select Committee, and Professor Hayward’s review of qualifications and assessment in Scotland. Most recently, the Prime Minister announced his intention to introduce a baccalaureate-style qualification in England, the Advanced British Standard, which Edge has welcomed.

In the midst of these discussions, Edge has stepped into this space to explore the different options in detail and the difficult question of how a baccalaureate-style system might be delivered in England. In May 2023, we convened a panel of experts to understand the rationale, options and difficult considerations that might have to be taken, drawing on the international evidence,  and existing models. 

With the help of colleagues at Rethinking Assessment, we’ve also compiled a series of reports looking at international examples, principles behind a baccalaureate, and comparisons of different baccalaureate models. 

We look forward to working with the Government and other political parties to deliver a genuinely broad and balanced education for all young people.