Removing the barriers to qualification

The National Extension College (NEC) has launched a campaign to make GCSE and A levels more accessible to adult learners.

The five-point plan identifies barriers faced by independent learners and proposes ways of removing these. These barriers exist because the system is geared towards mainstream students studying in a local school or college. They include:

  1. Finding an exam centre willing to accept private candidates
  2. The cost of entering for A level science practical endorsements
  3. Exam centre requirements for private candidates who need access arrangements
  4. Publication of exam results
  5. The status of AS levels

With many employers demanding GCSEs in maths and English, access to these formal qualifications is vital for those workers who wish to further their lives and careers. Adult education can be a route out of low-skilled, low-paid jobs, but, with the barriers described above deterring those who would most benefit from it, much potential is wasted.

UNISON is proud to support the NEC’s campaign. Read more about it here.

Union members can get a 10% discount on NEC courses. More information.

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