Andy Burnham has announced a major shake-up to England’s education system in a bid to tackle youth unemployment and continue the government’s devolution drive, reports BritPanorama.
The new prime minister will tell schools across the country to adapt their curriculum to fit the needs of local businesses through new “prestigious” technical education routes. Mr Burnham stated, “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected.”
He emphasized that the current education system has neglected those seeking technical qualifications. This reform marks the most significant change to the schooling system since the introduction of school academies and free school reforms by the Conservative government in 2011.
Central to the plan is a shift away from the education system’s focus on university, with Mr Burnham asserting a desire for the country to value “the hard hat as much as the graduation cap.” Funding for these changes will come from an existing £570 million investment to create additional college places, alongside a £4.7 billion boost to schools funding by 2028-2029.
The plan is expected to begin operating in September 2028, with mayors and local leaders working alongside schools, colleges, and employers to provide tailored technical training.
What do the changes mean for schools?
Under the plans, students will have the option to combine core academic subjects like English, maths, and science, with technical education linked to local job availability. This pathway will be accessible from age 14, in Year 10, and will include work experience with employers.
Number 10 highlights that these plans build on successful local initiatives, such as the Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), introduced by Mr Burnham during his tenure as mayor in 2022. The MBacc scheme allows students to choose from seven gateways developed in collaboration with local employers, covering fields such as construction, technology, education, health, culture, and sport.
Mr Burnham aims to instigate a cultural shift in Britain, promoting the idea that all post-16 education routes should be viewed as equally valuable by employers. He addressed young people directly, saying, “Whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.”
As part of this initiative, the government plans to implement different performance measurements for schools, with inspectors focusing on the provision of technical education and support.
This overhaul comes at a time when the value of university degrees is under scrutiny, with declining graduate job vacancies and the student loan system criticized as “unfair and broken” by MPs. The government hopes that a renewed focus on technical skills will alleviate pressure on the university system while bolstering the workforce in underserved industries across the UK.
