Vocational GCSEs

Baroness Blower Excerpts

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

To be clear, every student will continue to do English, maths and science. That is a really important element of the academic opportunities that are open to them. It is important that these vocational GCSEs sit within technical pathways that are developed at a regional level and therefore are much more likely to be able to recognise the needs and opportunities for young people within those areas. That too will be part of the evaluation.

[Baroness Blower (Lab)]

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that many students were disadvantaged by the previous straitjacket of a curriculum that did not allow for anything like enough access to creative subjects and allowed perilously small access to technical subjects? Does she also agree, therefore, that widening the possibility for all young people is an extremely good idea?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

Yes, I do agree with my noble friend. That was also the conclusion of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, on which the Government will bring forward proposals in the near future. I reiterate that the requirement to continue with English, maths and science, to put vocational GCSEs alongside rigorous academic subjects where that makes sense for the students, is an important part of our proposals. Another is ensuring that these new qualifications meet the highest possible standards, being based on nationally set criteria—which current technical awards are not—and being available for all students. They should be something not that students are funnelled into but that open doors and opportunities for them.