Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what evidence they used to determine the range of subjects in which Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) will be funded from 2025.

The approach the department has taken to determining the range of subjects that we will fund was informed by two public consultations and reflects our priority to ensure that as many students as possible benefit from world class A levels and T Levels.

The range of subjects where the department will approve small alternative academic qualifications (AAQs) for funding (and which can be studied alongside A levels) will be focused on those that are strategically important (such as STEM subjects and those supporting the NHS), and those that are less well-served by A levels. Large AAQs (equivalent in size to at least 2 A levels) will be considered for public funding from 2026 in subjects where there are no T Levels; there is a need for a large qualification enabling entry to more specialist areas of higher education such as performing arts; and there is a clear and direct progression link into higher education.

This is based on a range of evidence including departmental analysis of student outcomes and independent data sources such as research undertaken by the Nuffield Foundation and the Sixth Form Colleges Association. The detail of this evidence is set out in the department’s second stage consultation, and the subsequent government response and policy statement. Further details on the government’s response is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-post-16-qualifications-at-level-3-second-stage. This evidence shows that pupils who take programmes consisting of A levels alone generally have better earnings and employment outcomes than those pursuing non-A level or mixed programmes, after controlling for background characteristics.

Additionally, reforms to level 2 qualifications, alongside the T Level transition programme and our work with providers to pilot an Academic Progression Programme, will enable students to work towards level 3 or enter skilled employment.