Commenting on the announcement by Government of its plans for new Vocational GCSEs, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said;
“The National Education Union welcomes the government's commitment to turning parity of esteem between academic and vocational education into a reality, but that action must be focused on addressing the structural barriers that exist.
“Teachers have long argued that all young people should have access to flexible, high-quality pathways throughout secondary education, without their choices limiting future opportunities. Vocational qualifications are highly valued where they are understood, but greater action is needed to raise awareness among students, parents and the wider public about the opportunities they offer.
“Success is dependent on government providing sustained investment, resources, time and capacity for schools and teachers to develop and deliver high-quality vocational provision. These proposed changes will fall at the first hurdle unless there is sufficient investment in schools and the workforce.
“We urge ministers to learn from existing post-16 pathways and qualifications, ensuring proven routes are not lost through reform. Strong progression pathways and alignment between qualifications will be essential to prevent young people being disadvantaged by the choices they make.
“We also need to see a reform of school accountability measures to ensure vocational qualifications are valued in practice as well as in principle.
"Parity of esteem cannot remain just a slogan. The education system must recognise, resource and reward vocational qualifications in the same way it values academic routes.”