Records of Achievement in England and Wales: from rhetoric to reality?

Abstract

This article identifies a number of potential benefits of records of achievement (ROAs), linked to arguments that have been advanced as to why ROA schemes should be pursued. It then reviews the (limited) evidence that exists regarding these benefits, at least in relation to the secondary school sector. The conclusion drawn is that they do not appear to have materialised to any significant degree, though clearly there are exceptions in this or that institution. The article then outlines the key elements of two recent ‘initiatives’ that can be taken as representing advocacy for ROAs‐‐University and Colleges Admissions Service projects and the Dearing review of post‐16 qualifications‐‐and considers the promise they hold for greater realisation of potential benefits. The view taken is that these initiatives do hold some promise for impacting on the ‘supply’ side of ROAs, especially on their quality and in extending the use of the National Record of Achievement in the post‐compulsory sector. However, they seem to hold little promise in affecting the ‘demand’ side by way of stimulating greater use by end users. While there are intrinsic reasons for investing effort in ROA activity, a (continuing) lack of extrinsic motivation occasioned by widespread lack of end user interest could mean that the rhetoric to age 16 will be continued and extended to age 19.