Campaign to save food A-level hots up

Supporters of the Food A-level, including academics and industry professionals, have been called on to respond to a government consultation, which officially closed on September 24, and sign a petition here​ in favour of retaining the subject.

“I’m furious about this because there is no consultation,”​ Louise Davies, founder of the Food Teachers Centre, which represents 3,000 school teachers, told an education forum organised by the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST) last month.

“They have a consultation for the Design & Technology A-level, which is your only opportunity to make your voice heard.”​

Argue the case ​

Given the extremely short consultation window, Davies called on supporters to contact the education minister Nick Gibb and education secretary Nicky Morgan directly to argue the case for retaining the Food A-level.

IFST chief executive Jon Poole added: “IFST will also put in its own response​ [to the consultation], but as Louise has said there is power in a single voice, but there is also power in a lot of separate people doing it as well.”​

Making the case for the industry getting behind the proposed new A-level equivalent vocational technical qualification, Derek Williams, a director with food qualifications awarding body FDQ, said government policy was clear. “Advanced levels are for core subjects,”​ said Williams. “The government will not be allowing any A-levels to be vocational in content and they see Food Science & Technology as being in the vocational category.”​

However, Davies disputed this and responded that other subjects such as Design & Technology, Music and Dance & Theatre would continue at A-level.

Food A-Level abolished ​

The government’s plan means the Food A-level will be abolished, with food education in schools halting at GCSE level. It was announced by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation on July 16, with the final cohort of A-Level Food students enrolling last month (September).

However, many in the food industry fear it will adversely impact those choosing a food science degree course and making a career in food manufacture.

They argue that the loss of the A-level will end a vital academic route into food industry careers such as nutrition, dietetics and product development, which will hit employers struggling to recruit graduates.

Supporters of retaining the food A-level also point out that the enthusiasm and knowledge of students studying the new GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition would have no clear route for development without it.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drink Federation has called on the government to re-think its plan to abolish A-Level Food.​