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England's 14-year-olds will be offered vocational GCSEs in construction and business from 2029

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.

Andy Burnham on a construction site, as the Prime Minister introduces vocational GCSEs in building and construction available from September 2029.
Andy Burnham on a construction site, as the Prime Minister introduces vocational GCSEs in building and construction available from September 2029.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell has announced that from September 2029, 14-year-olds in England will be able to take new vocational GCSEs covering areas including construction, business management and finance, and child development. The qualifications will sit alongside traditional GCSEs, be graded by Ofqual on the same scale, and are intended to eventually replace existing Technical Awards. Powell rejected accusations of 'dumbing down', contending the reforms raise rather than reduce standards. Over a million young people currently have no engagement with education, employment or training.

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott warned the plans risk 'throwing away' progress made on standards in recent years.

A national mission launched alongside the reforms is calling on employers to provide an additional 200,000 work experience placements for pupils aged 14 to 16.

Lib Dems warned the new vocational route must not become a 'pipeline' directing disadvantaged pupils away from academic subjects.

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