GCE A-level

(asked on 10th November 2017) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussion she has had with (a) the National Education Union, (b) the National Association of Head Teachers and (c) local authorities on supporting students who do not receive the required grades to progress into their second year of A-level study.


Answered by
Nick Gibb Portrait
Nick Gibb
This question was answered on 20th November 2017

Schools are not permitted to disallow pupils from progressing into the second year of A level study on the basis of their results. Once the pupil has been admitted to a school sixth form, they can only be removed from the roll if they meet one of the criteria set out in the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, as amended. Where we have received correspondence on this matter from parents, we have set out this position very clearly.

If a school sets academic entry standards for pupils to progress into the school sixth form, the regulations say that they may remove pupils from their register at this point, if they have failed to meet these standards and will cease to be of compulsory school age before the school next meets. At all other points, including between academic Year 12 and 13, it is unlawful to remove pupils as a result of their academic attainment.

Schools can exclude pupils, either permanently or for a fixed period, for disciplinary reasons, and the Department supports schools in using exclusion where this is warranted. Exclusion on any grounds other than discipline is unlawful. Where a pupil is asked to leave the school, the formal exclusions process set out in the school exclusion guidance must be followed. Schools may not exclude pupils because of their academic attainment or ability. In September the Department wrote to all secondary schools and local authorities to remind them of these rules.

Under the Education and Skills Act 2008, all young people are required to continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. Local authorities have a duty to track the activity of young people in their area, and to support them to re-engage in education and training. Any young person in this situation can contact their local authority Post 16 Education service to discuss what other options are available to them locally.

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