THE PROPOSED radical overhaul of the A level system is unnecessary and nobody except the Education Secretary wants it, it is claimed.

That’s the view of leading Huddersfield college principals following this week’s announcement of a return to the system of the 1960s where two years’ work will be judged solely on final exams.

While admitting that some tweaking to the existing system was due, the headteachers have described Michael Gove’s plans as “a backward step.”

They believe it will narrow opportunities for young people and, due to how schools are funded, it will favour rich children attending independent schools.

Under the new system, due to be introduced in September 2015, AS levels will become a separate qualification from A levels, covering half the content.

Martin Rostron, principal of Greenhead, said: “This is unnecessary and a backwards step which comes at a time of reduced resources for 16 to 19-year-olds, the worst-resourced sector.

“Michael Gove says people want this, but the universities, headteachers and independent sector are all saying it is all wrong.

“Schools and colleges will work their hardest to make sure students get good study habits, but this will open the floodgates to those who leave it to the last minute.

“There will be a swing toward the independent sector. We achieve what they do on a fraction of the money and this will jeopardise our funding and our ability to achieve the same as the privileged.”

Mr Rostron’s views were echoed by Angela Williams, principal at Huddersfield New College, who said: “It’s disappointing that Mr Gove has ignored the overwhelming views of teachers, academies, employees and universities that A levels do prepare young people adequately for university.

“This is supported by the fact that one in six now achieve first class honours degrees. Mr Gove’s proposals will undoubtedly reduce opportunities for many young people, particularly those from more disadvantaged backgrounds.

“History will have its revenge on him – Mrs Thatcher was the ‘milk snatcher’ and Mr Gove will be the ‘WP (widening participation) snatcher’.”

John McNally, principal of Shelley College, added: “There was a case for tweaking the current system as January had become perhaps too cluttered.

“But there is a big advantage to having a set of exams at the end of Year 12. The universities like it and make their offers based on it. There is no justification for a change of this scale and it could end up narrowing choice.

“It is Mr Gove’s view that is winning out, rather than the concerns of schools, university and industry and I am not sure this has been fully thought through.”