The Prime Minister has announced plans to introduce “new technical education pathways” for young people from age 14. The aim is to put technical and academic education on a more equal footing and create clearer routes into employment, apprenticeships or further study.

From age 14 (Year 10), students will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, maths and science - with high-quality technical education that is linked to the jobs available in their area. They will be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.

Under the proposed new plans, schools, colleges, regional mayors, local leaders and employers will work together to create clear routes into skilled jobs in their area.  Building on existing initiatives such as the MBacc in Greater Manchester, the approach will allow areas to shape education around the industries that matter in their communities. That could include advanced manufacturing, AI, digital and technology, clean energy, life sciences, construction, health and care, or the creative industries, depending on local strengths and where the jobs of the future are being created.

Most secondary schools already offer some form of technical qualification or tech awards such as Cambridge Nationals, but the Prime Minister’s new plan aims to boost the availability and status of the offer.  The ambition is for new technical education pathways to be rolled out from September 2028.

The changes will form part of the Government’s wider programme of devolution under Andy Burnham and aim to help tackle the rising number of NEETs.

Cambridge OCR describes these government proposals as "an important step forward" in recognising the value of technical education, reflecting Cambridge OCR’s long-standing view that technical qualifications should sit alongside, not in competition with, academic study.