Art history A Level to continue, with Pearson

Pearson has confirmed that its exam board is to run a new A Level in history of art and an A and AS Level in statistics. The decision follows the AQA awarding body's controversial decision to drop its A Level exams in those areas.

The Pearson exams will be available for teaching from September 2017, when the AQA qualifications  come to an end.

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson in the UK, said: "We're pleased to be able to secure the future of A Levels in history of art and statistics, subject to final accreditation by Ofqual. The response from the public, from teachers and from young people shows many people have a real passion for these subjects. We're happy to help make sure they remain available.

He added: 'We believe that awarding organisations, government and schools should all work together in the interests of the students who want to have access to these important qualifications.”

Nick Gibb, the minister of state for school standards, made a written statement earlier today (1st December), stating: "We believe there is value in having a broad range of high-quality choices available to A Level students and our intention has always been that there should continue to be A Levels available in these two subjects. I am therefore pleased that the Pearson exam board has confirmed that it intends to develop new AS and A Levels in statistics and a new A Level in history of art for teaching from September 2017." 

AQA's decision to drop the subjects, in particular art history, had led to an outpouring of concern as to its impact on studies, including worries from teachers, as well as concerns from publishers.