The debate was secured by Baroness Barbara Keeley, with the MU contributing to a detailed briefing for peers ahead of the discussion. Photo: © The MU.
The House of Lords has debated the Government's proposals to reform level 3 qualifications (sixth form level), following concerns from educators, awarding organisations and the wider music sector about the future of vocational music education.
The debate was secured by Baroness Barbara Keeley, with the MU contributing to a detailed briefing for peers ahead of the discussion.
Proposed reforms
Last year, the Government announced plans to reform level 3 qualifications so that A levels, T levels and a new family of vocational qualifications to be known as V levels would become the main routes available.
The proposals have prompted concern because they could lead to the withdrawal of existing music qualifications offered by awarding organisations including Pearson, UAL and RSL. These qualifications are widely used by specialist institutions such as the BRIT School, as well as by many schools and colleges, providing an important vocational pathway into music education for thousands of young people.
The MU has previously highlighted concerns about the proposals and the potential impact on music education. You can read more in our article, What could new V levels mean for music education?
House of Lords debate
Opening the debate, Baroness Keeley called for existing, well-established qualifications to be retained, highlighting the limitations of the T level model for music and urging the Government to address the continuing decline in A level music entries.
Peers from the Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Green parties all contributed, reflecting broad cross-party concern about the future of music education and vocational qualifications.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister of State, said ministers were listening to the concerns raised. She announced that a new creative advisory board would help inform the development of the new qualifications and confirmed that no existing qualifications would be withdrawn before 2030.
The full debate is available to watch on Parliament TV from approximately 3.30pm.