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School leaders call for pause over BTEC scrapping

Listen to Ben Hillier, head of Salisbury Sixth Form College, on BBC Sounds

Hundreds of college and school heads have signed a letter asking the government to pause a decision on BTECs for at least a year.

The former Conservative government had planned to defund a number of level 3 qualifications, including BTECs, in August in favour of T Levels. This was paused by Labour so the party could conduct their own "focussed review".

A decision is expected by December, which will be after many open evenings for the next academic year.

The Department for Education said: “The review will allow us to support students on vocational courses, roll out T levels and bring certainty to the sector."

Hugely frustrating

The head of Salisbury Sixth Form College, Ben Hillier, was one of 455 school and college leaders who signed the letter to Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson.

He said not knowing what is happening until December is "hugely frustrating" because this will be after the open evenings for the 2025/2026 academic year.

"The most important thing for me is students and it's uncertain for them," he said.

"It's also stress on our staff and if they (BTECs) were to be removed there's a huge funding issue that goes with that as well," he continued.

A table within Salisbury Sixth Form College that's painted in a street art graffiti
Salisbury Sixth Form College will lose funding if BTECs are decommissioned

If BTECs are defunded they will be replaced by the newer qualification, T Levels, which were introduced in 2020.

Mr Hillier, believes this move will disadvantage many students. "I think T Levels have got a place for the right student," he said.

"The key is student choice and the students being able to pick the right course that suits them."

Former BTEC student, Emma Butler, smiling
Former BTEC student, Emma Butler, graduated from Salisbury Sixth Form college in 2022

Emma Butler graduated from Salisbury Sixth Form college in 2022, with three distinction stars in BTEC Extended Diploma Health and Social Care.

Ms Butler is now studying at the University for Winchester to become a social worker.

There are currently no options for social care studies within the T Level format, she said: "If I hadn't have done a BTEC I would not be in the career I'm in.

"It motivated me, gave me more confidence as well as a really broad depth of knowledge."

Salisbury Cathedral in blue skies and sunshine
MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire, John Glen, said "tough decisions" are needed

Salisbury and South Wiltshire MP, John Glen, believes qualifications like BTECs should be ended in favour of T Levels.

He said: "When you have a universal high standard, the T level, for everyone historic qualifications, BTECs, will have to stop.

"We want everyone to have something they recognise and respect."

Mr Glen said that schools and colleges need "clarity and certainty" and so the government must "act quickly".

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The government took immediate action to pause the defunding that was due to occur from 1 August 2024 and announced a focused review.

“The review will allow us to support students on vocational courses, roll out T levels and bring certainty to the sector.

"We are pausing defunding for the duration of the review and we will conclude and communicate the outcome of that before the turn of the year."

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