More than 100 schools and colleges will offer a new “English baccalaureate” from September, the exam board behind it said this week. Students studying the AQA bacc must take three A-levels; a paper in critical thinking, citizenship or general studies; a project; and 100 hours of personal development activity, work-based learning or community work. Candidates are awarded pass, merit or distinction. The qualification joins A-levels, the international baccalaureate, diplomas and the Cambridge Pre-U, which all become available to sixth formers from next term.