'A-levels are on way out'

A-levels and GCSEs are to be replaced after all, the Government's chief exams watchdog revealed today.

Tony Blair and Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said before the election they would protect A-levels, rejecting recommendations to replace A-levels and GCSEs with a new academic and vocational diploma.

Now Ken Boston, chief executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, is predicting that within 10 years A-levels will be superseded by the diploma, devised by former chief schools inspector Sir Mike Tomlinson.

Ms Kelly's decision to retain A-levels for academic pupils and introduce vocational diplomas for the rest was announced in the spring. Since the election, Mr Blair has said A-levels are too "narrow" and the Government is committed to reviewing the new twin-track system in 2008.

In a London speech on Friday, Dr Boston is set to say that the diploma could become the preferred choice in schools and be even tougher than A-levels. "If we set about this earnestly we'll have a diploma which will be the natural qualification for people to take - A-levels will be out of the door."