6.17 We propose that a national framework for higher education qualifications should be introduced, as recommended by the Dearing committee. We look to the responsible bodies, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, to maintain progress on the establishment of such a framework.

6.18 The main elements should be in place by 2000. We want to see a national Credit Accumulation and Transfer system*, to underpin the qualifications framework, and more 'stopping-off points', separately accredited, during higher education. This is so that people can build up blocks of qualifications over time and know what particular blocks of learning are worth.

6.19 We do not think that a case has been made for introducing GNVQs at levels 4 and 5. We will therefore look to the QCA and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education to bring existing qualifications within the new post-16 and higher education frameworks in ways which are readily understood by individuals and employers and which promote comparability.

[footnote]
*CAT Schemes allow students to break away from the traditional model where a degree is acquired by studying for a set period at a single institution to a particular curriculum. Instead, credit points are awarded for individual modules and a final degree is achieved by accumulating sufficient credits. This transfers ownership to students, who can choose which modules to study and even mix full-time and part-time study over a convenient period.