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The Department for Education has published its post‑16 pathways implementation plan, setting out changes to the technical and vocational qualifications landscape from 2027. 

The government’s £2.5 billion investment in AI and quantum sets out a clear ambition for UK growth and global tech leadership. But investment in technology is only part of the equation. Nurturing the skills to work with that technology are essential to turning this commitment into a thriving home‑grown tech sector and sustained economic growth.

Responding to the government’s Schools White Paper, Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said:

“Every learner should be able to succeed at school, supported by a system that is coherent, practical to deliver and focused on what makes the biggest difference to learning and wellbeing.

"This White Paper sets out a plan to raise standards and strengthen inclusion. That must include a focus on ensuring that every learner, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), has an equal opportunity to achieve their potential and demonstrate their knowledge through fair and accessible assessments.

"When used appropriately, digital technologies will play an important role in achieving this. Central to this is reliable connectivity and we welcome the plans for a significant investment in broadband connectivity for schools across the country.

"Beyond connectivity, thoughtfully designed and responsibly implemented technology that is aligned to the needs of students and teachers has a powerful role to play in education. For example, on‑screen assessment can significantly enhance accessibility, flexibility, and consistency for children with additional needs. Features such as adaptable formats, assistive tools, and standardised delivery reduce barriers and enable more students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills with confidence.

"We also encourage the government to go further in key areas, including by providing more investment for digital devices and ongoing maintenance for schools.  The Pearson School Report 2025 shows that many schools lack the devices needed to equip young people with the digital skills they need to thrive beyond their school years. When teachers were asked what could be done in their schools to improve students’ digital skills, 70% cited ‘more devices for classroom use’.

"The ambition to improve classroom technology by 2030 must be matched by investment in people and in developing teachers’ digital skills as part of their professional development. Proposals to establish clear digital skills pathways for the educators are crucial to building confidence and capability in using technology and AI safely and effectively.  There is clear evidence of a skills gap: The Pearson School Report 2025 found that only 56% of teachers currently feel confident using existing technology.

"We look forward to engaging in the formal consultation, drawing on our decades of experience of working with schools and partners across the sector. All parts of the education system must work together coherently for the benefit of all learners. As one of the country’s leading assessment organisations we will play our part in building capability, strengthening quality, and delivering public value.”

We have been awarded four additional contracts to deliver T Levels in Management and Administration, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control and Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing whilst retaining the contract to deliver the Generation 2 T Level in Accounting, for first teach September 2027. 

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

Introducing the Young Green Briton Challenge

The Young Green Briton Challenge (YGBC) has been inspiring secondary school students across England for the past three years.

 Its core purpose is to empower young people to design and deliver local climate action ventures, while building valuable, transferable green skills for the future.  The challenge is co-designed and delivered by Social Innovation for All and GenEarth, in partnership with cornerstone funder, the Green Britain Foundation.  Since its launch in 2022, YGBC has expanded rapidly, evolving into a national platform for youth-led, school-based climate action.

Having seen first-hand the power of technology to transform education and help young people develop the skills they need to thrive in work and life, we welcome the government’s package of measures as an important step toward closing the digital divide in education. 

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. 

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