New vocational GCSE subjects are set to be introduced from 2029 for 14-year-olds in England, alongside existing core academic subjects. Potential new subjects include building and construction, business management and finance, and child development.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is also setting a new national target for employers to help create 200,000 work experience opportunities for under 16s. These changes are part of reforms designed to better prepare young people for the world of work.
Ofqual, the regulator, will set national standards for the new qualifications to ensure grades are consistent with other GCSEs. These vocational GCSEs are intended to gradually replace other qualifications at this level, such as BTec tech awards.
The new qualifications are designed to create a clear pathway for teenagers to progress at 16 to similar college courses, including V-levels and T-levels. Education Secretary Lucy Powell stated the new vocational GCSEs would give young people a "stronger connection" to careers.
Education unions have welcomed the ideas but called for a clear strategy for implementation, while the Conservatives expressed concerns that the plans risk "throwing away" recent progress.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies' analysis shows the budget per pupil is growing faster than expected, by 9% in real terms between 2025-26 and 2028-29. However, economist Luke Sibieta noted a "big question mark" over whether there are enough people to teach technical and vocational subjects, with further education colleges already struggling to recruit.