GCSE vs Functional Skills

More on GCSE vs Functional Skills and funding!

The two biggest issues in the sector remain the question of GCSE or Functional Skills in Apprenticeships and Funding.

The Guardian recently polled half a dozen specialists in the sector for their views. Their views are very much in line with current thinking, suggesting that setting a minimum entry requirement of GCSE maths and English in Apprenticeships and changing the way the funding system works will both have very significant negative effects on Apprenticeships.

And it's not just the sector that is worried about maths and English, The Government through BIS is forming a research centre to look into the issue of adult literacy and numeracy.  This FE Week report is generally supportive, although with the research being focussed solely upon adult education, it's impact on the GCSE vs Functional Skills debate is likely to be minimal.