Quantity for quality: a case study on the impact of an English work-based learning programme on disaffected pupils’ qualification achievements.

Abstract

Disaffection with learning is a concern for many countries and research into various strategies aimed at tackling it often report varied success. This paper investigates the impact of work-related learning on the qualification achievements of 14–16-year-olds in a small number of secondary schools in England. The data are collated quantitatively whereby a numerical measure for the qualifications achieved by pupils accessing a work-based learning programme is presented. The learners on the programme have been identified as disaffected by their school yet illustrate re-engagement in learning when educated off site. For the vast majority, qualifications have been secured and this is used to evidence the overall success of the programme.