England plans vocational GCSEs from 2029

The government has announced plans for new vocational GCSEs in England, expected to be available in some subjects from September 2029, and a target for employers to provide 200,000 additional work-experience placements for young people aged 14 to 16. The qualifications are intended to sit alongside academic GCSEs and eventually replace existing Technical Awards. The Department for Education says they will be nationally set, with assessment and grading regulated by Ofqual to match the standards of other GCSEs. Pupils will still be expected to study English, maths and science GCSEs. Possible subjects include building and construction, creative media production, child development, digital technology, and business management and finance. The government says the courses are intended to support progression to further study and connect pupils with careers and industries. The final subject list and course design have not been announced. A consultation is planned later this year to help shape the qualifications. The government also intends to change school performance measures so that schools are encouraged to offer them.