Andy Burnham unveils biggest schools reform in 15 years

Why Burnham is overhauling schools

The reform targets what the government calls “a lost generation”. There are more than one million young people across the UK not in education, employment or training (NEET) — the highest level in over 12 years. These measures mark a significant change to a system implemented by Tony Blair that prioritised sending 50% of school leavers to university. Headteachers’ union the ASCL welcomed the ambition but warned of capacity and budget pressures.

Whether students choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, the government argues the new measures will help them get the skills needed to thrive in the modern world of work.

Writing in the Times, Burnham argued that “in the age of AI, practical and technical skills haven’t become less valuable — they’ve become more valuable than ever”, insisting Britain will “value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap”. Ministers say pupils will spend time with employers and gain real-world experience, though few details behind the vision have yet been set out.

Andy Burnham’s rise has been pronounced since he was elected MP for Makerfield in June 2026, he was elected Leader of the Labour Party on July 17, before becoming Prime Minister on July 20. Polls are initially very positive for the former Manchester mayor, with some beginning to show Reform dipping below Labour for the first time in months.