Statement on mathematics A level delay

On 1 December Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Reform, wrote to Ofqual to accept the recommendation to defer first teaching of the new mathematics and further mathematics A/AS levels until September 2017.

Professor Stephen Sparks said of the letter:

'I welcome that the new mathematics A levels will now be introduced in autumn 2017. This decision follows the advice given by ACME and the mathematics community that a delay was needed to help safeguard the increasing numbers of students taking mathematics at A level. The delay allows more time for considered preparation for teaching, learning and assessment. The extra year also means that those taking the new A levels will now have taken the reformed GCSE Mathematics, helping to ensure a coherent learning pathway for students.'

The letter from Glenys Stacey, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, to Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education, advises that the first teaching of the reformed mathematics and further mathematics A levels is delayed by one year.

The A Level Content Advisory Board (ALCAB) has issued a press notice welcoming the delay in introduction of the new mathematics and further mathematics A levels.

The Department for Education has also published guidance on changes to GCSEs, AS and A level that will affect each current school year group.