Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide students under the age of 17 with a wider choice of subjects to study, in order to bring an end to the division in employability between academic and technical education.

Up to the age of 16, young people are introduced to a broad and balanced curriculum, which provides music, sport, citizenship, and cultural opportunities.

The department reformed GCSEs from 2013 to ensure that they rigorously assess the knowledge pupils have acquired and are in line with expected standards in countries with high performing education systems.

The computing curriculum supports pupils to become active creators of digital technology. Programming, algorithms, and the use of information technology are taught to pupils at key stage 3 to provide the foundation for pupils to acquire further knowledge about artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, and other fields.  In November 2018, the department launched the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), backed by £84 million of government funding. The NCCE provides high-quality, continuing professional development and resources to teachers of all key stages and engages with schools and colleges across England to improve their computing provision.

To ensure a strong pipeline of qualified students into higher education and careers in STEM areas, the department has committed substantial spending on subjects, including science with the aim of increasing take up. This includes funding of programmes such as the Stimulating Physics Network and the Isaac Physics programme which both aim to increase rates of progression to physics A level, a subject which could lead a student into a technical career.

Post-16 students are able to specialise, with a range of high quality academic and technical qualifications options. This includes a rigorous suite of A levels, T Levels, and apprenticeships. The content of T Levels is designed in collaboration with employers. Each course includes a 45-day industry placement, so students are equipped with industry related skills. The department is also streamlining and improving the quality of post-16 qualifications at level 3 and below.