This week I report on the announcement of a new DfE KS3 alliance to build the evidence base for what works for early secondary students and the launch of new V levels in digital, education and early years, finance and accounting.

Trust bosses to lead DfE KS3 alliance
The Government is launching a Key Stage 3 alliance to build the evidence base for what works for early secondary students, the Education Secretary announced at the ASCL conference, in Liverpool this morning. The alliance will form part of the Government’s universal RISE offer and Rebecca Boomer-Clark, Chief Executive of Lift Schools and Dame Lesley Powell, Chief Executive of the North East Learning Trust, will co-chair the new alliance.

The move comes after the recent Francis review of curriculum and assessment warned that there is slow progress in the earlier years of secondary and a need to maintain momentum. The alliance will be supported by regional networks, which the Government said would allow sharing of excellent practice and harness local innovation.

New V level subjects
From 2027, pupils will be able to take V levels in digital, education and early years, finance and accounting.

V levels were first announced in the government’s recently published post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and will exist alongside A levels (the academic route) and T levels (the technical route). This streamlines the approximate 900 qualifications currently offered and means students will be able to take V levels alongside A levels. Transition to the new system will be phased to give schools time to prepare.