Lucy Powell has pointed to new polling showing strong teenage support for practical learning alongside academic subjects, as ministers develop vocational education reforms.
The Department for Education published the findings on 9 October. Among 500 young people approaching or recently making subject choices, 84 per cent supported combined technical and academic options from age 14.
The survey also found that 44 per cent felt vocational routes were looked down on by peers, while 37 per cent felt parental pressure to choose academic options from age 16.
The education secretary said young people wanted more choice and that vocational education should be valued alongside a strong academic foundation.
The Government previously announced plans for vocational GCSEs. A consultation is due before the end of the year, with some subjects expected from September 2029.
Broader technical pathways are planned from September 2028. The new survey provides evidence about pupils’ attitudes as ministers work on the reforms.
