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Burnham plans technical education overhaul for England's schools from 2028

· Society GBR

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that schools in England will be required to adapt their curriculums to local business needs, with new technical education routes available to pupils from age 14. The reforms, announced by the prime minister, will allow students to study subjects such as manufacturing and artificial intelligence linked to local jobs and industries.

The initiative, set to operate from September 2028, builds on the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate that Burnham introduced as mayor, which launched in September 2024. Mayors and local leaders will collaborate with schools, colleges, and employers to devise technical training, while funding will be prioritized for vocational qualifications.

The changes come after [Alan Milburn's May 2026 report warned of a

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theguardian.com GBR Burnham to tell schools in England to adapt teaching to local business needsbbc.co.uk GBR New technical education routes to be offered at 14 in Englandstandard.co.uk GBR New technical education pathways for 14-year-olds in Andy Burnham reforms
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inews.co.uk GBR Four ways Burnham could push young people into work to keep them off benefitsrepubblica.it ITA Andy Burnham rivoluziona l’istruzione: “Meno università, più scuole professionali”

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