Leaders demand clarity as Powell proposes new tech qualifications

School leaders have demanded “absolute clarity” after the education secretary raised the prospect of brand new GCSE-level qualifications being created for its flagship technical routes policy.

In a letter to the Commons Education Select Committee from 28 July, published this week, Lucy Powell indicated that “new or reformed national qualifications, at GCSE level, might...be needed”.

But headteachers are seeking greater detail and say the idea could only work if assurances are given about funding and training.

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said in response to Ms Powell’s letter that - with an expectation of new vocational routes becoming available in September 2028 for students on a phased basis from the age of 14 - more detail was needed urgently.

It is understood that if any new qualifications are created, they would not be in place for the initial implementation phase of the new technical routes, which starts in September 2028, but ASCL is seeking more details on a range of issues.

School leaders need ‘absolute clarity’

Mr Di’Iasio said: “We have very little information on what any new pathways or reformed qualifications might look like.

“What school and college leaders need as soon as possible is absolute clarity on exactly what new qualifications they will be expected to provide, and that there will be reasonable timelines to meet these new expectations.

“They will also need assurances that work will be done to ensure any new qualifications are properly embedded within the education system, with funding and training available where necessary.”

He added: “We have seen in recent years that introducing new qualifications is not necessarily a simple process and can cause problems if not done carefully.”

Range of existing qualifications

Meanwhile, the Association of Colleges (AoC) - which expects to work more closely with schools in the years to come as technical routes are phased in - has indicated that existing qualifications may be enough for the new technical routes.

AoC chief executive David Hughes said: “It is important that this fantastic opportunity for young people in key stage 4 to benefit from a broader curriculum offer is supported by an appropriate qualification offer.

“There is already a range of current tech awards and post-16 vocational technical qualifications which could be utilised for this purpose, but it makes sense to consider new ones that might be needed as well.’’

Mr Hughes said it was crucial that any 14-16 qualifications “dovetail seamlessly into post-16 opportunities”, adding: “Ideally programmes and qualifications will be seen through a lens all the way through from 14 to higher education, apprenticeships and lifelong learning, offering a clear line of sight to exciting careers.’’

He also indicated that further education colleges would play a “key role” in helping make sense of the 14-16 technical pathways.

Ms Powell’s comments come after prime minister Andy Burnham announced new technical education pathways for 14- to 16-year-olds in England just a week after entering Number 10.

Following the announcement, questions were raised regarding the role of Ofsted, how the pathways would be assessed and whether existing qualifications may require an overhaul, with shadow education secretary Laura Trott calling it an ”unevidenced, ill-thought-through policy”.

System puts ‘too much emphasis’ on academic attainment

In her letter to the education committee, Ms Powell said the Department for Education would “work with mayoral and strategic authorities, employers and schools to explore what new or reformed national qualifications, at GCSE level, might also be needed as part of these pathways, to set students up for high-quality post-16 options and for the modern economy”.

The education secretary also said that the education system “places too much emphasis” on academic attainment and fails to equip all young people with the skills and experience for a modern economy.

National Pupil Database and Individualised Learner Record figures, shared with Tes in July, revealed that 10,100 students aged 14-16 received either full- or part-time vocational provision in 2024-25, falling to 8,970 this year.

And Teacher Tapp survey data shared with Tes in August indicated that more than a quarter of secondary schools in England do not offer any technical qualifications at KS4.

In a welcome message to the schools sector, sent today to mark the new academic year, Ms Powell reiterated her intention to work with the sector on making the new pathways work in practice.

She said: “Reform is too often something that arrives in schools and colleges, rather than something shaped by the people who will deliver it. Trust and accountability must go hand in hand.

“And lasting change will draw on the judgement of the teachers, leaders and support staff who know their children, families and communities best.”