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Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

Clause 44 specifies that those who are over compulsory school age but under 19 are entitled to the core and additional entitlements of education. The core entitlement is clearly laid out in new Section 17C, which states that this, ""is an entitlement to follow a course of study in each of …""(a) mathematics;""(b) English;""(c) information and communication technology"." That seems very clear. However, the next new section, on the additional entitlement, which is what Amendment 107A addresses, is far vaguer. The Bill says that this is a right, ""to follow a course of study in an additional entitlement area"." It then goes on to say that the Secretary of State may specify by regulation what areas will be designated in this manner, but it does not explain what kind of courses of study might be included. A quick glance at the Explanatory Notes shows that it refers to diploma lines, which will be specified by the Secretary of State. This, therefore, is simply a probing amendment, designed to ask the Minister to clarify whether it is only the diploma that will be specified as an additional entitlement and to expand on it generally. Furthermore, is the Minister not at all concerned that this may push young people towards a diploma without sufficient care being taken over what course of study or training might best suit their needs? I hope that she might be able to allay the concerns of City and Guilds, which is worried that the very specific nature of the additional entitlement may push people towards a diploma and away from a vocational course. I look forward to her response and I beg to move.