The Department for Education announced on 23 September 2026 that it planned new Vocational GCSEs, set nationally with content, grading and assessment regulated by Ofqual, as reported by the department that date. The qualifications, the same size as GCSEs, were intended to replace Technical Awards and, according to the department, were set to be available in some subjects from as early as September 2029, within broader technical pathways starting in September 2028.

Possible subjects listed were Business Management and Finance, Creative Media Production, Digital Tech, Child Development, and Building and Construction. English, maths and science would remain a common entitlement. Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the qualifications were meant to give young people a stronger connection to careers and industries.

The department also planned a National Mission on Work Experience, calling on employers to provide an additional 200,000 placements for 14- to 16-year-olds. It said No10 North would establish placements for students in that age group during the academic year then under way.