A NEW vocational V-level qualification is to be rolled out that aims to help get 16 to 19-year-olds into good jobs.
Qualifications in engineering, agriculture and digital skills will all be on offer.
Plans will be set out today for a new third route alongside traditional A-levels and the recently created technical or T-levels that will replace many vocational qualifications such as the old BTECs.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Technical and vocational education is the backbone of this country’s economy and central to breaking the link between background and success.”
Daniel Kebede, from the National Education Union, said: “For too long, the post-16 qualifications framework has lacked coherence and clarity.
“Students following academic routes have benefited from a clear and structured pathway.
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“But those pursuing vocational options have too often faced a confusing and under-resourced system.
The Department for Education is also launching a scheme to help students who don’t get “vital” grade 4 GCSE passes in English and maths, so face resits.
Ministers say that it will be a “stepping stone to better prepare them”
It will particularly support white working class pupils.
More than six in ten white pupils who are eligible for free school meals do not reach required standards.
