Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Patrick Spencer (Conservative) on Friday, 11 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Vocational Education: Standards

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what evidence her Department has considered on whether proposed technical education pathways for pupils from the age of 14 will improve pupil outcomes compared with existing Key Stage 4 technical provision.

Answer

The department is at an early stage of developing the new technical education pathways. Our ambition is to give every young person access to high-quality technical education pathways from age 14 and support progression into further study, training and skilled employment. As part of these pathways, we will work with Ofqual and other key partners to develop high-quality vocational and technical qualifications which give clear routes into T Levels, the new V levels, apprenticeships, universities and beyond.

The department will work with Mayoral Strategic Authorities and local leaders to design locally tailored, vocationally focussed pathways for each region and begin rolling them out in some areas from September 2028. To inform development of this policy, we will consider existing national and international approaches to technical education pathways.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29287
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Standards Vocational education
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk