England introduces vocational GCSE courses alongside academic subjects from 2029

England will introduce vocational GCSEs for 14-year-olds starting in 2029. Students will be able to study practical subjects like construction and finance alongside their usual academic courses. These academic courses include English, maths, and sciences, which will remain compulsory. At the moment, England's GCSE system is focused mainly on academic subjects for students aged 14 to 16. This reform will bring skills-based learning into the standard qualification framework for the first time. The government says the change will give students more options based on their different needs and interests. Students who prefer practical learning will have a clearer path through the school system without dropping core academic subjects.