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Manufacturing and AI subjects to be offered from age 14 in schools, says new PM

A teenage girl and boy looking at a 3D printerGetty Images

Young people will be able to study technical subjects alongside core subjects

Pupils in England will be able to study subjects like manufacturing and AI from the age of 14, under new changes announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The government says that from Year 10, pupils will be able to combine core subjects - like English, Maths and Science - with technical courses linked to local jobs and industries.

The prime minister says he wants an education system "which gives all young people a clear path in life".

Andy Burnham said that "for too long" students have been told to take academic subjects like Maths, English and Science to "do well and be respected".

"My message to young people is this - whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you'll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve," he said.

In England, children must be in school until age 16 and must be in education or training until age 18.

Figures earlier this year found one million young people aged 16 to 24 were not in work, education or training.

The changes to the education system would give children access to technical skills and opportunities for work experience with local employers.

The industries would vary across the country but include things like AI, green energy, construction and health and care.

The Association of School and College Leaders, which represents many secondary headteachers, welcomed the announcement but questioned how it would be funded.

A man in a dark grey suit and dark blue tie white shirt with black glasses in front of a number 10 and north

Andy Burnham says he wants technical subjects to be as important as academic subjects

The BBC understands that the government expects the new education changes to be in place in some areas by 2028.

While these changes only affect England, governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have also looked at improving access to work-based subjects in recent years.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said school leaders agreed changes were needed to support young people in education or work.

"However, this announcement sets out a direction of travel rather than detailed proposals," he said.

Adding schools will need more details on how it would work and "over funding".