Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 May 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 May 2008. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Monday, 2 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Advanced Extension Awards

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what plans he has for the future of advanced extension awards; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We set out our plans for the future of Advanced Extension Awards in the consultation document, ““Promoting achievement, valuing success: a strategy for 14-19 qualifications””, published in March 2008. Advanced Extension Awards (AEAs) overlap in purpose with the stretch and challenge being introduced into A level from September 2008. Our 14-19 Expert Group advised that, as part of moves to simplify the qualification offer, we should work with the awarding bodies to withdraw AEAs as new A levels are introduced. We are doing this and expect the last AEAs to be taken in 2009.

Secondary information