ABSTRACT
The publication of the final report of Sir Ron Dearing's Review represents another stage in the evolution of 16–19 qualifications in England and Wales with its proposals for a National Framework with four levels and a new baccalaureate-type Diploma. The recommendations of the Review are in many respects ambiguous, perhaps deliberately so, as it is an attempt to satisfy many different educational and political constituencies. Furthermore, the government has said that the Report is ‘an agenda and not a blueprint’ and is in the process of deciding which of the recommendations will be taken forward or whether any additional funding will be made available for them to be implemented.
