Are A levels dead in private schools?

In a bid to raise educational standards, this September sees the launch of the Cambridge Pre-U, the vocational Diploma and the new specification A levels. However whilst many top independent schools are thinking of introducing the Pre-U or the International Baccalaureate they are unlikely to consider the Governments flagship qualification. Professor Alan Smithers, a leading education expert does not expect academic standards to improve with the Diploma’s introduction, even going so far as to say the qualification is a ‘disaster waiting to happen’. Schools minister, Jim Knight, reportedly attacks these claims and asserts there is backing for the diploma. Private schools will continue to offer A levels and or the International Baccalaureate and may introduce aspects of the Pre-U. One of the top 5 independent boarding schools, Charterhouse, is introducing several Pre-U subjects in September 2008 and looking to offer the International Baccalaureate in due course. An interview with Assistant Head, Andrew Turner, can be found at www.baccalaureate.eu.com

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