The Beginnings of GNVQs: an analysis of key determining events and factors

This article is a historical analysis of the beginnings of GNVQs in the years 1989‐91. Use is made of evidence obtained from interviews with key participants in the policy‐making processes including a former minister, a former CBI leader, senior civil servants and awarding body administrators. The political impetus behind GNVQs is brought out and the way in which NCVQ managed to take control of events and the proposals is analysed in depth. The importance of questions such as ‘parity of esteem’ with ‘A’ levels and the factors determining the basic design framework of the ‘Mark I’ GNVQ model are considered. It is shown how, in 1989, Secretary of State Baker was actively seeking reform of the further education curriculum as a means to revitalise what he regarded as an ailing sector. A little later, Minister of State Tim Eggar seized the initiative and drove forward reform at top speed. NCVQ, BTEC and City and Guilds, all with their different vested interests, saw this as a means of furthering their own particular needs, but it was NCVQ, through Bryan Nicholson and Gilbert Jessup, which persuaded Government that it should be given the task of developing the new qualifications. Under NCVQ's auspices, Gilbert Jessup was put in charge and the ‘Mark I’ GNVQ model showed all the hallmarks of his influence. The article concludes by showing how the shortcomings of the ‘Mark I’ Jessup model coupled with the early emphasis on ‘parity of esteem’ have focused public attention on the failings of GNVQs rather than on their undoubted successes with the students for whom they were intended.