Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:46 pm on 17 October 2017.
I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement and welcome her references, which are not surprising, to the importance of closing the attainment gap and the focus on inappropriate early entry. Because of course, for many pupils, those whose improved performance is essential to closing the attainment gap, early entry is the right option. The ability, in the context of a standalone study and entry opportunity, to focus on that qualification and benefit from more intensive support can be very important for particular students to gain the best possible result, which is important in its own terms, but also in terms of giving them a boost to their academic confidence to continue staying on in education. So, I welcome the fact that she will be bringing forward guidance on when early entry is appropriate for some students. I wonder if she could share what her reflections are on how schools that make judgments in accordance with that guidance, in the best interest of individual pupils, will not be penalised for having done so through revised performance measures.