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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 7 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Vocational Education

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will issue guidance to secondary schools on how to support students starting year 10 in 2027 who want a technical or vocational education ahead of the 2028 introduction date.

Answer

Our ambition is to give every young person access to high-quality academic and technical education pathways from age 14 and to support progression into further study, training and skilled employment. We recognise that having access to high-quality vocational qualifications at school, alongside a strong academic core, is essential to help pupils consider the range of post-16 pathways available.

Schools are free to decide which qualifications they will offer in each subject they teach. However, as part of their duty to teach a broad and balanced curriculum, schools are expected to offer a range of subject options to help meet the aspirations of all pupils.

There are a range of Level 1 and 2 Technical Awards already available, which can be found in the 2027 performance tables list, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27694
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Schools Secondary education Vocational education
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk