- Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to unveil the biggest education overhaul in 15 years, aiming to tackle a “lost generation” of young people not in education, employment , or training.
- The reforms will end the system that prioritises university preparation, instead placing technical training on an equal footing with academic qualifications.
- Under the new plans, 14-year-olds will be able to combine core academic subjects with technical education linked to local job opportunities, including work experience.
- Mr Burnham stated the goal is to ensure “no dead ends” for young people, valuing “the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap”.
- The initiative has been welcomed by business leaders and trade unions, though it has faced criticism from the Tory shadow education secretary, Laura Trott.
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