While 77% of UK parents felt they had adequate knowledge about traditional GCSE qualifications and 57% about A and AS levels, only 39% said they knew enough about NVQ qualifications, 27% about apprenticeships and 21% about BTECs. As few as 19% knew enough about the new Diplomas, being introduced in September 2008, to be able to give adequate advice.
Alison Firth, from the South Yorkshire Education Project, says: "Today's students aged 14-19, can choose from a whole range of courses. Thankfully, there is far more choice and ability to personalise learning than when we were at school. But this presents a challenge to parents. In South Yorkshire, the local authorities and EU are addressing this challenge by launching the ‘Hands On' campaign to help parents, students, employers and teachers better understand the opportunities available to today's 14-19-year-olds."
The South Yorkshire Education Project has developed a dedicated website - http://www.voced.co.uk/ to inform parents and students about 14-19 qualification options.
