Rishi Sunak plans major A-level reform

PM says education is 'silver bullet'; It could improve everyone's lives Photo: Justin Tallis/PA

Rishi Sunak is considering a major overhaul of A-levels to ensure children study more subjects in sixth form.

Prime Minister wants a new 'British' language “Baccalaureate” as part of a move to a more continental education system.

The proposed reforms would see English and maths compulsory until the age of 18, along with a requirement that children study a wider range of educational subjects after 16 years.

Downing Street on Thursday declined to comment on the plans, which were first reported by the Times.

The proposals are understood to be part of the Prime Minister's plans to reshape Britain following his decision earlier this week to water down various net zero promises.

Mr Sunak has already said all children should learn . some form of mathematics before age 18. It is not possible to meet this commitment within the current A-level system.

“No final decision has been made”

A Whitehall source told The Telegraph that the plan was being considered.

The Prime Minister has floated the idea during his unsuccessful election campaign against Liz Truss last year.

But a senior Conservative source told the Times he is now determined to press ahead with his pledge to tackle the “big, long-term issues” facing the country.

“He has returned from the summer with a number of things he wants to continue “, said the source. “A level reform is a critical part of this.”

The Prime Minister described education as the “silver bullet” in government policy that can improve lives and said it was “the most important reason why I got into politics “

He has made it clear that he believes children are currently being allowed to leave subjects such as maths and English too early.

But some in Whitehall argue that schools do not need another shake-up of the curriculum and exam system post-Covid.

Mr Sunak also wants to create a network of “world-class” technical institutes with links to industry, modeled on the Russell Group of leading universities and law award academic degrees.