Jeremy Higham and David Yeomans, Post-14 Research Group,
School of Education, University of Leeds. Department for
Education and Skills, 2005
This report, part of the national evaluation of the 14-19
Pathfinder initiative, describes the progress made by the
39 pathfinders, and raises key issues from the evaluation
for practitioners and policy makers. The pathfinders are
part of a larger process of reform of the 14-19 phase, and
are expected to test out ways of working and best practice
for a coherent and collaboratively delivered education and
training programme for 14 to 19-year-olds in England.
The evaluation suggests that there has been positive progress
in a number of areas including the development of collaborative
arrangements with other schools and colleges, and broader
curricula, particularly with regards to vocational and work-related
learning, as well as in developing individual learning plans
and supporting continued development of strategic planning
of the 14-19 phase. A wide range of young people is engaged
in pathfinder activities, including large numbers from lower
achieving groups and those who are otherwise disaffected
and disengaged.
The report suggests that policymakers and practitioners
will need to continue to review their approach to bringing
about change, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of
the initiative and its continued potential for promoting
change in the 14-19 phase.
To download the whole report, visit www.dfes.gov.uk/research
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