Status of vocational qualifications raised

The Government yesterday attempted to raise the status of vocational qualifications by renaming them 'vocational A-levels', writes Diana Hinds. The announcement by John Patten, Secretary of State for Education, is a recognition that these qualifications are failing to attract the same interest as academic ones.

The change does not affect the content of GNVQ courses - vocational courses in art, design, business, health and social care - but it aims to ensure that top level training has 'parity of esteem' with A-levels.