The changes coming to Greater Manchester schools and colleges now Andy Burnham has 'green light'

Andy Burnham has been given the 'green light' for his plans to create an 'equal alternative' for kids who don't go to university.

The Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) aims to provide pathways for teenagers looking to pursue careers in construction, the creative industry and other vocational fields. It promises to give clear choices to 14-year-olds when they are choosing their GCSEs.

Mr Burnham announced the plans after securing the latest devolution deal under the Conservative government last year. However, his proposals faced some resistance from the Department of Education who said it would 'narrow opportunities' for young people.

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The Greater Manchester mayor says the new Labour government has still not gone far enough in devolving powers over technical education and skills. But he says the devolution plans unveiled by Angela Rayner yesterday (December 16) give him the chance to 'prove' the concept works.

The Deputy Prime Minister has now written to Mr Burnham, promising to 'strengthen' the mayor's role in relation to technical education. The joint letter which was signed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves too, says that the government is still committed to a 'national and consistent approach' to technical education, but recognises the 'pivotal role' mayors play, working with local employers.

The letter says: "We are committed to working with you and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities to develop the tools needed to deliver this. We know this is a priority for you in Greater Manchester, and this has been a key driver behind the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate."

Responding to the letter, Mr Burnham wrote: "Post-16 technical education is one area where devolution enables us to tackle the blockers on opportunity for our citizens and on economic growth for our region. Your commitment to work with us on the tools to deliver clear pathways of progression from education into local employment, including through the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (the MBACC), is therefore welcome.

"We believe the MBacc will be a game-changer for technical education in our city-region, creating an equal alternative to the university route, and demonstrating that will be our defining mission in 2025. As you note in your letter, however, there is much further to go, and we will seek further control of post-16 skills provision to enhance our capabilities in this area."

The government unveiled its English Devolution White Paper in Leeds yesterday (December 16). The document sets out new powers mayors across the country will get, including over transport, housing and development.

Under the proposals, Mr Burnham would get new planning powers allowing him to 'call in' developments and potentially overturn decisions by local councils. It could also give him control over train stations and more influence over rail services.

But speaking to the Manchester Evening News following the announcement, Mr Burnham said he had hoped the government would go further on technical education. He said: "Where I want this to get to is us looking at the Greater Manchester economy, looking at our needs across construction, digital and tech, health and care and starting to commission the colleges in terms of numbers of places.

"I think that's what we've got to get to and Greater Manchester having that ability to shape the system like that. Now we haven't been given that yet.

"What we have been given is a strong coordinating role which is enough for now to prove the MBacc concept. We will be continuing this discussion in the new year with the government."

The MBacc was officially launched in September. However, it is up to schools to decide if they want to take part.

Once fully-rolled-out, pupils in year 9 will be able to select GCSE options to fit seven ‘pathways’ corresponding to seven industries which are important for Greater Manchester’s economy. The pathways are: health and social care; digital and technology; engineering and manufacturing; construction and the green economy; financial and professional; education and early years; creative, culture, and sport.

Alongside the GCSEs to fit their chosen pathway, youngsters will take some core subjects like English, Maths, and Sciences — plus embark on 50 hours’ worth of work experience. After finishing year 11, they will be able to take up a T-level course, with 1,000 of such places available in the seven ‘pathway’ industries.