The future of examinations in Britain

Policy seminar, with Gerard Kelly, Editor, The Times Education Supplement

Thursday 8 March
16.30-18.00

This event will focus specifically on the views of Westminster, Whitehall and the policy community as part of a series of five seminars we are holding on this theme with different stakeholders.

There is a paradox at the heart of our education and school qualifications system. English public examinations are highly respected and emulated in many countries. According to surveys, parents retain confidence in our qualifications but there is also a growing body of concern around the standards they demand. If standards are in decline, as some warn, that may threaten our national ambition for a fair and prosperous society. The issue of educational quality warrants our undivided attention, and we need to be prepared to consider radical change.

This seminar will consider the views of policymakers on reform of the examinations system. We will bring together a high-level group of politicians, awarding bodies, academics and policymakers to examine the skills and knowledge that pupils require to enter and progress in the world of work, and consider the reasons for the perceived deficiencies in the current system and how they might be addressed. The discussion will be particularly timely given the current reviews of the qualifications system and the National Curriculum. Pearson will table a paper of questions and ideas intended to start the conversation, which is available at www.leadingonstandards.com.

This event is invitation-only and is held in partnership with Pearson. Please contact Dale Bassett at dale.bassett@reform.co.uk for more information.