Teachers, educationists and employers have wholeheartedly backed proposals for an "overarching certificate" with compulsory key skills for 16 to 19-year-olds. The results of the government's consultation on changes to 16-19 qualifications, published by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority this week, showed "strong support" - 65 per cent of the thousands consulted - for a French-style baccalaureate. Despite the call for a broader-based certificate, ministers are expected to preserve the A level within an overarching certificate when they outline their plans early March.