Vocational GCSEs

Lord Addington Excerpts

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

Evidence actually suggests that the existing technical awards are taken slightly more often by disadvantaged pupils. That is one of the reasons why we are reforming the system so that pupils’ choices are driven by their interests and aspirations, rather than their background. The noble Baroness suggested that this Government have said that knowledge is not important in the curriculum. That is wholly wrong. As the noble Baroness will see when we publish our curriculum plans, following the Curriculum and Assessment Review, we have been clear throughout that knowledge is a key element of the curriculum. But it is possible to deliver high-quality academic standards and deep knowledge alongside the opportunity for pupils also to develop vocational and technical skills in a way that provides a broad and deep curriculum that is currently missing.

[Lord Addington (LD)]

My Lords, will the Minister give us some indication of what advice the Government are giving not only to pupils but to the parents of these pupils about the value of these new qualifications? If we are to get people taking subjects they have an aptitude for, as opposed to what is seen to be the desirable thing by somebody else, we will need to make sure that people understand that process.

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes an important point. We will consult on the content and nature of vocational GCSEs very soon, this autumn. Because this is about technical pathways delivered and developed at a local and regional level, we are also working closely with mayoral authorities, employers and others. I am sure that they, as we do, will want to ensure that there is strong advice for parents and clear information about what it means to take a vocational GCSE as part of that broad curriculum.