Assessing the Further Education Technical Qualifications market in England

BIS Research & Evaluation Framework CR150025 LOT 2 Assessing the Further Education Technical Qualifications market in England The main aim of the research is to examine the AOs market in England – to: • Determine the extent to which the current AO market delivers recognised, rigorous, responsive, innovative and high-quality qualifications – in a way which represents value for money, transparency and clarity in terms of which qualifications are needed to enter certain occupations or particular courses in either HE or FE. • Determine what changes could be made to the AO market in order to improve any areas of weakness identified above • Analyse options for reforming the market, including an assessment of the advantages, disadvantages and risks for each. This will need to include any options put forward by the Independent Panel on Technical and Professional Education in their report. This research should also consider what drives providers’ demand for different qualifications – in light of the incentives provided by the funding and accountability systems