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Teenagers to be offered new work-based GCSE subjects at school

Young people at a building site Getty Images

Building and construction could be one of the subjects offered as a GCSE

New work-based GCSE's are being introduced for 14 year olds from 2029.

Building and construction, Creative Media Production and Digital Tech are some of the subjects which could be offered.

The vocational GCSE's are different from academic subjects like Maths and English because they are designed to give pupils the skills needed for a particular job.

The new national qualifications will be created to sit alongside traditional GCSEs and will replace the current Technical Awards.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also set a new national target for employers to help create 200,000 work experience opportunities for under 16s.

Ofqual, the education regulator, will make sure that assessments and grading of the new subjects are in line with the current GCSEs.

Eventually they will replace other qualifications at this level such as BTec tech awards.

In his first week, Andy Burnham promised to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path.

A girl smiling with braces and long blond hair wearing school uniform which has lots of badges on the blazer.

Daisy is taking business studies at BTec Level 2, which in future could be offered as a GCSE

It is up to each school how many hands-on subjects they offer.

Wright Robinson College in Gorton, East Manchester, already offers 10 practical or vocational subjects for study in Year 10.

Daisy, in Year 11, who is taking business studies as a BTec Level 2 told BBC News it is giving her "practical experience".

This is the kind of subject that may be replaced by one of the new vocational GCSEs.

A teenager pouring a saucepan using a wooden spoon

Sarjo enjoys the practical elements of her hospitality and catering BTec

Sarjo, also Year 11, already knows she wants to be a flight attendant so she is taking hospitality and catering as a BTec Level 2 alongside GCSEs.

She told BBC News she "learns faster" in the practical subject.

Education is devolved in the UK, which means the four nations make separate decisions.

In Wales VCSEs, which include Animal Care, Nature Restoration and Motor Vehicle Maintenance, will be taught in schools and colleges from September 2027.