Education secretary Michael Gove has announced a major independent review of vocational education for 14- to 19-year-olds.
Speaking at the independent education foundation Edge in London last week, Mr Gove said that for too long vocational qualifications had not been properly valued and a gap had been left in the country's skills as a result.
The review will be led by Professor Alison Wolf of King's College London, who will examine funding, the role of the third sector, private providers, employers and awarding bodies, and progression from vocational education to work and higher education. A final report and recommendations is to be submitted in spring 2011.