Policy Watch - highlights of the week ending 11 September

Labour unsuccessfully called for all departmental and ministerial correspondence to be given to the Education Select Committee, with Gavin Williamson saying there was little need as he will be providing evidence to them next week. Ofqual set out its plans for vocational qualification assessment in 2021, announcing the full implementation of its proposed approach and opening a consultation on the extended Extraordinary Regulatory Framework. We also saw a timely discussion on black history in the Commons, led by Theresa Villiers and legislation that allows redundant apprentices to complete their programme. The week ended with a focus on higher education. As guidance was published around the return of students, Gavin Williamson laid out his vision for the sector, calling for universities to end their “obsession” with three-year degree courses and to focus more on apprenticeships and higher technical education (HTE). Coupled with the OfS’ reduction in fees, it does appear that real policy momentum is building behind HTE, and will certainly be something to monitor closely in the coming months.