Currently there are no internationally accepted standards for guidance counsellors but the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG) is in the process of establishing a committee to draft such a standard.

UNESCO: GUIDANCE

General secretary of the Association of School and College leaders, Brian Lightman, said he welcomed any move to give vocational qualifications the same status as other academic subjects.

BBC: Revamp of vocational courses unveiled

The organisations under consideration include others that provide academic or vocational qualifications recognised by Ofqual, such as exam boards like Edexcel, sporting groups like the Amateur Swimming Association and professional associations like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

BBC: A Big Mac with extra FOIs, please