英国首相Andy Burnham宣布推行教育改革计划，要求英格兰各学校根据当地商业需求调整课程设置 [1]。该计划特别针对14至16岁学生增加技术和职业技能培训 [1]，将于2028年9月开始实施 [1]。根据Alan Milburn的报告，英国约100万青年处于未上学、未就业或未接受培训状态 [1]。
这项计划基于Burnham在大曼彻斯特市长任期内推出的Greater Manchester baccalaureate项目 [1]。该项目已在2024年9月推出，首年仅在10所学校试点 [1]。涉及的行业包括金融服务、工程制造、建筑和绿色经济等领域 [1]。Burnham在BBC采访中指出，英国教育系统长期对职业资格学生"差别对待" [1]，他表示"这个国家长期以来一直告诉学生，只有走学术路线才能成功和获得尊重" [1]。该改革旨在解决青年就业危机并提高职业资格的地位 [1]。
Andy Burnham has announced an education reform initiative requiring schools across England to tailor their curricula to meet local economic demands, with particular emphasis on technical and vocational training for students aged 14 and above.[1] The scheme will launch in September 2028 and draws on the Greater Manchester baccalaureate (MBacc) model, which Burnham piloted during his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester, beginning with 10 schools in September 2024.[1]
The reform targets what Burnham identifies as a systemic bias within the education system.[1] According to a report by Alan Milburn cited in the initiative, approximately one million young people in Britain are not in school, employment, or training.[1] Burnham has criticized how vocational students are treated, stating in a BBC interview that the education system regards them "as second class students."[1] He further emphasized that "for too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected."[1]
The programme will involve partnerships across multiple sectors including financial services, engineering and manufacturing, construction, and the green economy.[1]