A levelling of achievement

When the government announced its new vocational diploma to run alongside the A-level exam, it was clear that it was intended to destroy A-level altogether, albeit by stealth since A-level – however degraded it has become – is still regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of the exam system. Now we can see that in order to ensure that A-level is indeed finished off, the system is to be rigged. The new diploma will be worth three and a half A-levels. That means that studying such issues as 'hairstyles in society', or 'critically responding to a range of computer games' will be worth more than studying maths, physics or foreign languages. The Telegraph reports:

The decision by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service means students may find it easier to get into university by taking the new courses, which will combine vocational and academic studies. It could lead to a sharp increase in the number of pupils going to university, particularly those from poor backgrounds who are often turned off by purely academic study. However, there are fears the diploma - which will include subjects such as hospitality and hair and beauty - may be less rigorous than A-levels. Although universities will not be obliged to admit teenagers with a diploma, it is thought the move will pile pressure on admissions tutors to look favourably on the new qualifications.

A-level was arguably the most efficient and effective public examination in the world. Its concentration on breadth rather than depth ensured the highest standards at undergraduate degree level; its rigour ensured that the drop-out rate at British universities was exceptionally low. All that is now in the past as the whole system has slid inexorably downwards, dragging A-level with it. Now it is to be finished off altogether – and doubtless what remains of the British education system along with it.