Help for ‘poorest white pupils’

ACTION to help white working-class pupils gain English and maths GCSEs — plus plans for new “V-levels” — have been unveiled in a bid to “rewire” England’s education system and replace 900 qualifications.

- By David Williamson

The new vocational V-levels will sit alongside A-levels and Tlevels, and help young people to explore highly skilled sectors such as engineering and agriculture before deciding where to specialise.

Pupils will be able to take a blend of V and A-levels, unlike workplace focused T-levels, which are equivalent to three A-levels.

Other measures will help working class pupils in particular meet the vital challenge of getting a pass in English and maths GCSE.