14-19 entitlement
To effectively deliver the aims and objectives of the reforms, all young people aged 14 to 19 will have the entitlement to access the right learning opportunities and support to help them participate, achieve and progress.
To deliver that entitlement all young people will study as part of the new secondary curriculum:
- Key Stage 4 core curriculum: English, maths, science
- Key Stage 4 foundation subjects: ICT, PE, Citizenship
- Work-related learning and enterprise
- Religious education
- Sex, drug, alcohol and tobacco education
- Careers education
- A course within any or all of the areas of the arts; design and technology; the humanities; modern foreign languages if they wish to
- Functional skills in English, maths and ICT
- Personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS)
A broad entitlement to the right learning opportunities and support for all young people aged 14–19 will lead to qualifications from one of four routes:
- Apprenticeships – with an entitlement to a place by 2013 for all 16 year olds suitably qualified
- Foundation Learning Tier – with an entitlement by 2010 to study one of the progression pathways
- General Qualifications, e.g. GCSEs and A-levels
- Diplomas – with an entitlement by 2013 for all 14–16 year olds to the first 14 Diplomas and for 16–18 years to all 17 Diplomas
Young people will be able to study qualifications that do not fall under these four routes where there is a clear rationale to maintain them in learners’ interests, and some young people will study informal, unaccredited provision to re-engage them.
Supporting young people with their choices
Young people will also be entitled to the right help and support regarding their opportunities and choices:
- Excellent Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) and support to make the right choices at 14 and 16
- A 14–19 Prospectus in every area setting out the courses and support available
- A Common Application Process linked to the 14–19 Prospectus that makes it easier to apply for education and training
- The September Guarantee to ensure all 16 and 17 year olds have an offer of a suitable place in learning and targeted support to those who need it most
This page was last updated on 3 October 2009
