Baccalaureate-style studies for sixth-formers

The Government yesterday left the way open for reform of the sixth form curriculum as it announced plans to defer changes to A-levels and vocational courses, and develop a single umbrella certificate.

Though government sources are playing down the delay, the proposed "overarching certificate" for young people, encompassing academic or vocational subjects and key skills indicates ministers are prepared to go further than their Conservative predecessors in overhauling post-16 qualifications.

The plans could include a version of the French baccalaureate, which would require sixth form pupils to take a range of subjects including arts and sciences.