Schools to offer technical subjects to pupils from age 14 in England

Secondary school pupils in England will be able to study subjects like manufacturing and artificial intelligence alongside core academic learning under new government reforms.

The courses, available from Year 10, will be linked to local industries and designed to give children a clearer pathway into work. The government expects the new pathways to be running in some areas by 2028.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, speaking at a train manufacturing site in Derby, said the current system had been built too long around the university route. "It sends a message to some young people that they're some kind of second-class citizens, and it's just not right," he said.

Pupils will continue to study core maths, English and science but will also have the option of combining these subjects with technical education. The reforms include opportunities for work experience and connections with local employers.

Data published this year showed more than one million young people across the UK were not in education, employment or training, the highest level in more than 12 years.

Gilbert