Ofsted launches report on level 2 study programmes

Ofsted has published a report on the curriculum available to students taking level 2 study programmes at further education colleges. 

Often these young people do not have 5 good GCSEs and there are gaps in their understanding of English and maths.

The report says that these young people’s life-long employability depends on the ability of teachers to redirect their education into a course that stimulates and motivates them, and which offers the prospect of further study, training or work. However, it finds that their needs have not always been met.

The report also outlines concern about the number of courses on offer that do not lead to good local jobs. Ofsted found that many colleges collected little data about learners’ destinations. 

Art and media courses were seen by students as having the least chance of leading to a job, but at least 3 colleges surveyed by Ofsted reported these courses as having the most applicants.

The report recommends that colleges should engage actively with employers, who should co-design and implement aspects of the curriculum and assess learners.

They should review their current minimum requirements for level 2 and level 3 study programmes to make sure that they are appropriate.

The report calls on colleges to ensure that teachers are up to date with the practices and jobs available in their industry, and arrange work experience so that they are relevant to learners’ programmes of study.