Setting Directions for the 1990's. Evolving Directions on the International Scene : The United Kingdom Experience / John A. Barnes.

In recent years, significant economic, social, and demographic changes have occurred in the United Kingdom. These changes have set the stage for a number of changes in the country's adult and vocational-technical education systems as well. There have been several notable developments with regard to the statutory education system (which provides for the education of children up to the age of 16). These include the Technical and Vocational Education Initiative (a study of methods of organizing and managing secondary-level vocational and technical education), development of a general certificate of secondary education (which offers a single certificate for graduating students of all ability ranges as opposed to the previous system of two separate certificates), establishment of city and guild business and technician education council foundation programs, and development of a "National Curriculum 5-16." Three elements in the education and training system for persons over the age of 16 have been developed. These are the sixth form (for pupils who expect to transfer to higher education after the age of 18), the technical college (the traditional vocational education route), and the Youth Training Scheme (for early school leavers). In May 1985, the United Kingdom government established a committee to examine the question of vocational qualifications and the needs for the future. The committee developed a blueprint for action that called for, among other things, the establishment of a National Council for Vocational Qualifications and the creation of a new national framework for vocational qualifications based on four levels of achievement. When implemented, the recommendations are likely to have an enormous impact. (MN)

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