Correspondence

ESFA Update local authorities: 8 January 2025

Published 8 January 2025

Applies to England

1. Information: The Schools Commercial team spring webinars

The Department for Education (DfE) Schools Commercial team has a range of spring term seminars scheduled, to help those who buy for schools save time, buy compliantly, and receive value for money.

View the full schedule and register to attend.

2. Information: Outcomes of the Review of Qualifications Reform

On 12 December 2024, the government announced the outcomes of the Review of Qualifications Reform. We:

  • will retain 157 qualifications in the system (alongside T Levels and A levels), that were due to be defunded, to support learners and the economy
  • will not be applying the previously proposed rules of combination. It should be for colleges and sixth forms to work with students to devise the best mix for each individual
  • have provided certainty to education providers, students and their parents and guardians to make the position clear up to 2027
  • have confirmed that T Levels are the primary technical route for 16 to 19 year olds, being based on the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers need and including the much-valued industry placement

You can read more detail on the outcome of the review and the route-by-route outcomes.