New vocational GCSEs to be introduced in England from 2029

Why the new vocational GCSEs are being introduced

The qualifications, confirmed by the government, will sit alongside academic GCSEs and gradually replace other qualifications at this level such as BTec tech awards.

Standards will be set nationally by Ofqual to ensure grades are in line with other GCSEs.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is also setting a new national target for employers to create 200,000 work experience opportunities for under-16s, as part of a wider shake-up of the education system.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the new vocational GCSEs would give young people a "stronger connection" to careers, while Burnham said it marked a change from a "one size fits all" education system.

The qualifications are designed to let teenagers progress at 16 to similar courses at college, including the new V-levels being taught from this autumn and T-levels.

Vocational subjects at 16 currently make up just 7% of qualification entries in England.

At Wright Robinson College in Gorton, east Manchester, which already offers 10 practical subjects in Year 10, Year 11 student Daisy said studying a BTec Level 2 in business studies was giving her "practical experience" and the confidence to progress to an A-level in the subject.

It follows other recent changes to England's school system, including a ban on deep-fried food in school dinners.

Education unions said the plans were welcome but called for a clear strategy to make them happen, while the Conservatives said the reforms risked "throwing away" progress made in recent years.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the changes would give teenagers a clearer path into work.