PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
GCE A-level and GCE AS-level (24 February 2015)

We are reforming AS and A levels to ensure that the qualifications equip students for higher education and to make them linear allowing more time for teaching and learning.

The department consulted last year on new AS and A level content for all subjects for first teaching in September 2016. These subjects were modern and ancient languages, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, music, dance, music, physical education, drama and theatre, religious studies. We received a total of over 6,000 consultation responses. In light of advice from Ofqual, and the A level Content Advisory Board, we have agreed to delay the introduction of first teaching of mathematics and further mathematics to September 2017.

Officials regularly discuss AS and A level reform with key stakeholders such as UCAS. We also frequently receive correspondence on AS and A level reform from students, parents, teachers and other interested parties.