The introduction of a British baccalaureate was the principal recommendation of The Times Education Commission, which published its report on 15 June after a year-long inquiry, the broadest ever held into education in Britain.
The object is to offer broader academic and vocational options, with parity of funding per pupil in both routes. This could cater far better than A levels for Britain’s young people. Since 2015 they have been required to be in some form of education and training until they are 18.
The goal would be to provide students with high-quality qualifications in a wider range of subjects and disciplines, as is the case in other advanced economies.
On 21 June, Alistair Lexden tackled the Government on this important issue in the Lords. He asked: “Have the Government noted the chorus of praise that greeted this report and, in particular, its recommendation of a British baccalaureate uniting academic and vocational study? Will the Government now rise to this challenge?”
The Lords Education Minister’s reply indicated no great interest in doing so. She was criticised by another contributor to the discussion as “extraordinarily complacent and very disappointing.” Across the House members voiced support for the baccalaureate and other recommendations in the very important report by The Times Education Commission. There was a strong view that the Lords should set aside a day for a full debate on it.
