Powell says student loan system at top of in-tray
The Prime Minister is reportedly considering adopting Greater Manchester's technical education framework, known as the Manchester Baccalaureate, as a national model. This ambitious vocational pathway aims to reform post-16 provision and equip young people with skills for local employment markets.
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.
The Department for Education's consultation on sector financial sustainability has drawn criticism from experts who warn that without substantial investment, changes will merely 'tinker round the edges'. Campaigners argue that only genuine funding reform can address the systemic pressures facing local authority children's services.