Richard Huish College, alongside hundreds of schools and colleges across the country, continues to support the #ProtectStudentChoice campaign.

The campaign is now urging the government to delay plans to scrap most applied general qualifications such as BTECs by 12 months.

Current plans propose institutions should deliver a new list of qualifications from September 2025 in place of the existing applied general qualifications.

Alongside hundreds of other educational leaders, Huish Principal Emma Fielding has sent a letter outlining the latest concerns with the plan to Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education.

The Protect Student Choice supporters reiterate within the letter that they have “grave concerns” about the government’s plan, which “would be disastrous for social mobility and economic growth”.

Understanding that the government shows little indication of doing a U-turn on their plans this recent letter concludes with a plea for a delay as “A change of timing would minimise the disruption to young people’s education caused by implementing this policy”.

If you would like to show your support for the Protect Student Choice campaign you can do so by using the hashtag #ProtectStudentChoice on social media to increase social pressure on the government.

For more information about #ProtectStudentChoice visit the Sixth Form Colleges Association’s website or the FEWeek website.

Please note the proposed plans will not impact those starting Level 3 qualifications in September 2023 however, if you have any concerns about your Study Programme please do not hesitate to contact us, or discuss these with us during your advice and guidance session following your application.