Unions and agencies react positively to Tomlinson proposals

Unions, business organisations and schools agencies have come down largely in favour of today's Tomlinson report, at the heart of which is the replacement of GCSE's and A levels with a new, four-stage diploma system.

Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, welcomed Mr Tomlinson's report as an attempt to tackle the "qualifications quagmire", and urged employers to help shape vocational courses of the future

According to the chief inspector, Mike Tomlinson has made a "significant contribution to the future shape and direction of the education system in England".

"In my time as chief inspector, I have frequently spoken out about the shortcomings of the English education system that sees too many young people ill-served by the quagmire of qualifications currently bogging down our school system and providing a confusing picture for young people wishing to progress to the next stage of education," he said.

"The Tomlinson report demonstrates that there is a better way forward and I call upon the government to be bold and consider whether both GCSEs and A-levels in their current form need to be replaced by a new system that unleashes untapped talent and meets the needs of all young people."

The Secondary Heads Association (SHA) has also come out strongly in support of the Tomlinson recommendations.

General Secretary, Dr John Dunford, said the new diploma system would create a "stronger, more coherent qualifications structure, raise the esteem of vocational awards and reduce the burden of external examinations".

"I hope to see the Tomlinson proposals, which should be viewed as a package and not cherry-picked, in the manifestos of all political parties at the next election," he added.

The NASUWT welcomed the report's view that the current system of "restrictive accountability stifles teachers’ confidence to exercise their professional judgement".

Teachers will welcome this vote of confidence in their professionalism, skills and ability, the union said.

Chris Keates, Acting General Secretary of NASUWT, said: "Clearly due cognisance has been taken of the chaos and confusion which has accompanied previous changes to the exam system."

However, he warned: "The whole exercise will have been a wasted effort if the ultimate outcome is not parity of esteem between vocational and academic qualifications and young people who choose a so-called vocational route continue to feel that they are perceived as second class."

But while the heart of the proposals is an overarching diploma, the union believed that it did not "seem to indicate" the end of the GCSEs and A levels.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said that the report was "strong on vision" but added there was not enough detail on how the new qualifications would improve literacy and numeracy.

John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: "Tomlinson sets out a clear vision of where he wants to get, but business will be wanting to see how the government plans to get there.

"The CBI cannot yet give a green light to these proposals. Business must be convinced that more will be gained than lost by reorganising 14-to-19 qualifications."

He added: "There is a lot to consider and we will be consulting companies in detail to determine our final position on this vital issue."

Elsewhere, an online poll being conducted by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) has so far found that 50% of the 434 visitors to its website who've voted in the "diploma debate" believe A Levels and GCSEs should not be replaced with a new diploma.

While 45% who've voted so far support the plans for a new diploma, 5% aren't sure.

(gmcg)