Andy Burnham announces 'fundamental change' in schools systems
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a fundamental change to the education system, with new technical education routes to be made available to young people from Year 10. The reforms aim to tackle the youth unemployment crisis, with more than one million young people currently not in education, employment or training.
From Year 10, pupils will be able to combine core academic subjects like English and maths with technical education linked to jobs available in their area. The prestigious new technical pathways, which will pair skills training with work experience and connections with local employers, are set to be rolled out from September 2028.
Unveiling his plans, Burnham said: "For too long in this country students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications. I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap."
The government will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work. Ofsted will change the way it inspects schools to ensure they recognise places providing high-quality technical education. Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to create the new technical pathways, tailored around local industries and growth sectors including advanced manufacturing, AI, digital and technology, clean energy, life sciences, construction, healthcare and the creative industries.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: "Every young person should be able to see a route to success whatever their talents or ambitions. That's why today is so important. It marks the start of a real shared effort with employers businesses mayors and councils to design an education system that connects young people to jobs and careers in their local area."
The government has pledged £287 million in funding to create over 22,000 new places at colleges and post-16 training providers. A new bursary worth up to £4,500 per year has been introduced for Universal Credit families to remove barriers to apprenticeships.