Teenagers to be offered new vocational GCSE subjects in school

By Branwen Jeffreys , Education Editor and Kate McGough , Education Producer Published 13 minutes ago New vocational GCSEs will be introduced from 2029 for 14-year-olds alongside existing core academic subjects in England.

The new subjects could include building and construction, business management and finance, and child development.

A new national target for employers to help create 200,000 work experience opportunities for under 16s is also being set by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as part of reforms to shake-up the education system to better prepare young people for the world of work.

Education unions said the ideas were welcome but a clear strategy was needed to make them happen. The Conservatives said the plans risked "throwing away" progress made in recent years.