Improving participation and attainment of 14- to 19-year-olds

1997: introduced

2000: widened

2004: updated

2004: Tomlinson Report on 14-19 education

2005: 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper

Targets (14-year-olds):

• By 2007, 85% to achieve level 5 or above in each of the key stage 3 tests in English, Maths and ICT, and 80% in Science.

Targets (16-year-olds):

• Increase the percentage of pupils obtaining 5 or more GCSEs at grade A*-C by 2 percentage points each year between 2002 and 2006.  By 2004, all Local Education Authorities to have a rate of at least 38% of 16-year-old pupils obtaining five or more GCSEs at grade A*-C or equivalent.
• Increase the percentage of pupils obtaining 5 or more GCSEs at grade A*-G (including English and Maths by 2004.  By 2004, 92% of 16 year olds should each this standard.

Targets (19-year-olds):

• By 2004, increase by 3 percentage points the number of 19 year olds achieving a qualification equivalent to NVQ level 2 compared to 2002.

Updated in 2004 as part The Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners.

The 2005 White Paper was the government's response to the Tomlinson report.  Although Tomlinson's central proposal for replacing GCSEs and A-Levels with a four stage Diploma over a ten year period was rejected, it did take up some of the reports findings.  The emphasis of government policy is on improving vocational options, to reduce the burden of assessment on pupils, to stretch the highest achievers and to ensure that all school leavers have good numeracy and literacy skills.  The long term aim of the reforms is to have all young people in education or training until at least 18.