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Children's News Feed

Automatically curated from DfE announcements, education news, and sector updates.

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Policy 3 days ago

Rebalancing Ambition: Burnham Challenges University-for-All Culture

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has sparked national debate by declaring that technical and vocational pathways should be valued 'every bit as much as the graduation cap'. The intervention challenges decades of policy favouring university as the sole marker of success, instead advocating for education tailored to local business needs and tackling youth unemployment.

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Skills & Employment 4 days ago

Higher Education Pathways: Supporting Young People to Professional Success

Local authorities play a crucial role in guiding young people towards higher education opportunities that align with their career ambitions. This resource explores the institutions and services available to help students gain professional qualifications and specialist training, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive in an evolving economy.

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Burnham's technical education plans build on UTC legacy
Policy Jul 29, 2026

Burnham's technical education plans build on UTC legacy

Andy Burnham's proposals to place technical and academic education on equal footing in England have drawn cross-party support. The plans, which draw inspiration from the coalition government's University Technical Colleges and former education secretary Kenneth Baker's vision, would require schools to adapt teaching to meet local business needs.

Satirical look at Andy Burnham’s youth employment and skills agenda
Policy Jul 28, 2026

Satirical look at Andy Burnham’s youth employment and skills agenda

This cartoon by Ella Baron provides commentary on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s proposals to transform pathways from education into employment. The illustration touches on tensions between higher education, vocational training, and the practical realities facing young people entering the labour market.

India’s Gen Z ‘Cockroach’ protests: Lessons on exam integrity and youth voice
Education Jul 28, 2026

India’s Gen Z ‘Cockroach’ protests: Lessons on exam integrity and youth voice

Mass protests by Indian students over exam leaks have forced the resignation of the education minister, demonstrating the power of youth collective action when education pathways are compromised. The movement highlights critical tensions between examination integrity, employment prospects, and government accountability.

Tackling NEET Rates: Supporting Young People into Education and Employment
Policy Jul 28, 2026

Tackling NEET Rates: Supporting Young People into Education and Employment

The government is renewing efforts to reduce the number of young people classified as NEET—those Not in Education, Employment or Training. Ministers are prioritising action to ensure local services can identify at-risk individuals early and provide pathways back into learning or work.

Burnham Bounce: New PM Focuses on Localised Education and Youth Employment
Policy Jul 28, 2026

Burnham Bounce: New PM Focuses on Localised Education and Youth Employment

Labour has overtaken Reform UK in the polls for the first time since March last year, following Andy Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister. In his first fortnight in office, Burnham has announced major initiatives to localise education provision and tackle youth unemployment, alongside cost of living measures. A significant announcement on social care reform is also anticipated in the coming days.

Children's Commissioner Backs Technical Education Reforms from Age 14
Policy Jul 28, 2026

Children's Commissioner Backs Technical Education Reforms from Age 14

Dame Rachel de Souza has welcomed new education reforms that would see technical subjects offered to pupils from age 14, addressing concerns that too many young people find themselves neither in education, employment nor training. The Children's Commissioner emphasised the need for bold policy to respond to children's ambitions and reduce the stress associated with finding work.

New Technical Pathways for 14-Year-Olds Link Learning to Local Industries
Policy Jul 27, 2026

New Technical Pathways for 14-Year-Olds Link Learning to Local Industries

The government has announced plans to introduce new technical education routes for pupils from age 14, focusing on subjects such as artificial intelligence and manufacturing. These pathways are designed to connect learning directly with local employment needs, ensuring young people develop skills relevant to their regional economies.

Burnham calls for curriculum reform to meet local business needs
Policy Jul 27, 2026

Burnham calls for curriculum reform to meet local business needs

The Prime Minister is set to announce a devolution drive requiring schools to adapt teaching for students aged 14 and above to meet local employer demands. The initiative aims to elevate technical and vocational qualifications whilst tackling youth unemployment and reducing welfare dependency.

DfE Publishes Revised Early Years Practitioner Occupational Certificate Content
Early Years Jul 23, 2026

DfE Publishes Revised Early Years Practitioner Occupational Certificate Content

The Department for Education has published revised content for the new Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Occupational Certificate after consultation feedback revealed only limited confidence in the original materials. Just over half of respondents felt the previous content fully or mostly enabled students to achieve the qualification's aims, prompting updates designed to better prepare early years professionals.