Grade E for proposed A-level reforms
23 January 2013
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The lesser the role of government in A-levels, the better
Commenting on Education Secretary Michael Gove’s proposed changes to A-level exams, Prof Philip Booth, Editorial Director at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:
“After twenty years of failed policy during which we have seen more and more meddling by politicians in examination systems, Michael Gove seems to want to compound the errors of his predecessors through his proposed reforms to A-level exams. Some time ago Michael Gove announced that the universities would have a bigger role in developing A-levels. Now it appears that this will be a small group of universities and that their role will mainly involve doing as they are told by the Secretary of State.
“Universities and employers have an interest in ensuring that examinations are fit for purpose. They should be responsible for determining exam structures and syllabi together with bodies such as professional associations and Chambers of Commerce. The less the government has to do with the process the better.”
Notes to Editors:
To arrange an interview with an IEA spokesperson, please contact Stephanie Lis, Director of Communications: 020 7799 8909, slis@iea.org.uk
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.
The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
“After twenty years of failed policy during which we have seen more and more meddling by politicians in examination systems, Michael Gove seems to want to compound the errors of his predecessors through his proposed reforms to A-level exams. Some time ago Michael Gove announced that the universities would have a bigger role in developing A-levels. Now it appears that this will be a small group of universities and that their role will mainly involve doing as they are told by the Secretary of State.
“Universities and employers have an interest in ensuring that examinations are fit for purpose. They should be responsible for determining exam structures and syllabi together with bodies such as professional associations and Chambers of Commerce. The less the government has to do with the process the better.”
Notes to Editors:
To arrange an interview with an IEA spokesperson, please contact Stephanie Lis, Director of Communications: 020 7799 8909, slis@iea.org.uk
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.
The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
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