Nottingham Education Network

NEN Summary: English Baccalaureate

The term baccalaureate is broad in its meaning and can vary depending on the specific context in which it is used. At its core, a baccalaureate is a comprehensive collection of acquired knowledge and skills, often represented by a specific set of qualifications or certifications. Outside of the United Kingdom, this term is commonly used to describe the level of education attained by an individual, typically at the undergraduate level, and is highly valued in many fields and industries. Whereas, within the United Kingdom, the term baccalaureate is increasingly becoming attributed to secondary schooling qualifications primarily because of the English Baccalaureate. 

International Baccalaureate

As mentioned above, Internationally, a baccalaureate is a recognised set of qualifications or certifications sometimes combined into one academic degree awarded to university-level undergraduate students after completing a specific program of study at a Further Education college or university. Within the United Kingdom, this type of qualification is referred to as a bachelor’s degree. 

The English Baccalaureate?

Despite the level of studies for a baccalaureate style recognition varying within the United Kingdom and specifically within England. It’s still a comprehensive collection of acquired knowledge and skills, often represented by a specific set of qualifications and certifications, which, in England, are GCSEs (Department for Education, 2019). 

Referred to as the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), it is a group of specific subjects offered to students in England, which include;

  • English
  • mathematics
  • history or geography
  • the sciences,
  • and a modern or ancient foreign language.

The English Baccalaureate is a highly regarded educational qualification that has been available to students in England since 2010. The Ebacc is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, diverse range of subjects and a well-rounded education ensuring they are well-prepared for either university or the workforce. However, unlike some international systems, the EBacc is not a certification in and of itself but rather a measure of the subjects that students have studied.

The English Baccalaureate is seen as a rigorous and challenging set of qualifications that is recognised by universities and employers for its high standards, primarily because it is based on GCSEs. It is intended to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed both in higher education and in the workplace. This includes developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, all of which are highly valued by employers.  Because of this the garment has been pushing for its adoption within schools and the number of English secondary school students undertaking the Ebacc as of 2022 sits at around 80% of pupils. The government’s ambition is to see this rise to 90% by 2025 (Department for Education, 2019 and Ofqual, 2023).

Regional baccalaureates

In recent weeks, there has been a surge in interest in the relationship between education and the UK economy and the impact it can have on leveling-up. As a result, there have been discussions about transferring educational matters to Metro Mayors and Combined Local Authority areas. One of the most vocal advocates of devolving educational matters further is the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Mayor Burnham has been vocal in his support for the development of regional baccalaureates or as he describes it the Manchester baccalaureate. The Mayor of Greater Manchester described that these regional baccalaureates will help students make informed decisions about their future studies by providing them with knowledge of the qualifications that employers value, need and desire. Not only will this increase their chances of gaining employment after graduation, but it will also enhance their overall employability in the view of Mayor Burnham.

One of the benefits of this option, according to Mayor Burnham, is that it will be particularly helpful for students who are unsure of their career path. They can keep their options open and develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied in a wide range of contexts within the local region and economy.

Reference 

Department for Education,. 2019. English Baccalaureate (Ebacc). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-ebacc/english-baccalaureate-ebacc [Accessed 01.10.23]

Ofqual,. 2023. Provisional entries for GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2023 exam series. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/provisional-entries-for-gcse-as-and-a-level-summer-2023-exam-series/provisional-entries-for-gcse-as-and-a-level-summer-2023-exam-series [Accessed 01.10.23]