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First MedTech qualifications built by regional skills experts to address employer need

Today's report represents an important step towards preparing young people for successful and fulfilling futures.

Responding to the government’s Skills White Paper released on 20 October, Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said:

“The Skills White Paper marks a shift in the system of vocational education for young people that will help tackle the UK’s widening skills gap in industries vital to economic growth.

Disadvantaged students are, on average, one-fifth of a grade behind in English and one-eighth of a grade behind in maths when resitting GCSEs, according to new research from the Education Policy Institute (EPI), funded by Pearson. 

The interim report is an important step towards better preparing young people for the future. We’re pleased to see recognition of many of the key areas that need to be addressed and encourage the government to go further during the next stage of the review in order to ensure high standards for all and drive the meaningful change young people deserve. 

Thousands of post-16 learners are caught in a cycle of resit failure and fatigue for GCSE English and maths, chasing a Grade 4 that is supposed to signal the level of English language and mathematical skills they need to be successful in future study or the workplace.

Pearson has appointed Freya Thomas Monk to the role of Managing Director, Pearson Qualifications. 

Debates about whether the English curriculum is meeting the needs of all students are nothing new, but in 2025, alongside our Curriculum and Assessment Review thinking, Pearson is setting a course for change: for an English that works in every classroom, for every learner. We know that, at its best, English unlocks knowledge, nurtures empathy and values diverse voices. We also know this vital subject is being challenged by pressures like never before.

We've been carrying out extensive research and working with hundreds of teachers, learners, parents and stakeholders across the country to develop a clear view of the challenges facing GCSE science education and what is needed to address these.