Prime Highlights :
- England to introduce technical subjects such as manufacturing and AI for pupils from Year 10, prime minister Andy Burnham announces.
- Reforms aim to balance academic and vocational education, with pathways expected to launch in some areas by 2028.
Key Facts :
- More than one million young people across the UK are not in education, employment or training, the highest level in over 12 years.
- Plan builds on the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, launched in 2024 by Burnham as Manchester’s mayor.
Background :
Secondary school pupils in England will gain access to subjects such as manufacturing and AI alongside core academic learning, under reforms outlined by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The government said the new courses, available from Year 10, would link to local industries and offer pupils a clearer route into work.
The announcement follows data published this year showing more than one million young people across the UK were not in education, employment or training, the highest level in over 12 years.
Few details have emerged on how the vocational courses will run in practice, though the government expects the pathways to be operational in some areas by 2028.
Speaking at a train manufacturing site in Derby, Burnham said the education system had leaned too heavily on the university route for too long, adding that young people deserve a path balanced between academic and technical learning.
He said reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training remains a priority, though he stopped short of setting a target date.
Under the proposals, pupils will continue studying core maths, English and science, with the option to combine these with technical education, work experience and connections to local employers. Ofsted will also update how it measures school performance to include technical education.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell described the plan as a shared effort with employers, businesses, mayors and councils to connect young people with local jobs and careers.
The initiative builds on the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, launched in 2024, which lets pupils combine academic and technical GCSE subjects aligned with growing local industries.
