Andy Burnham's Labour Government has announced a major change to schooling in the UK. When teenaged pupils hit Year 10, they will be able to take on a technical education alongside their core academic subjects.

The new Prime Minister said he wants there to be “no dead ends” for young people coming out of education, and for technical pathways to be put on an equal footing with traditional academic routes. The “prestigious” new technical pathways, which will pair skills training with work experience and connections with local employers, are set to be rolled out from September 2028.

Unveiling his plans, Mr Burnham said: “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected.

“The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications. I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life.

“From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap."

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