What's changing

Purpose

With an increasingly global economy, young people in the UK will need higher skill levels than in the past. Education and training are being reformed to meet the needs of the changing world. The aim is to make sure that:

• all young people gain the skills they need for learning, work and adult life - including good standards of English and mathematics
• there is an option to suit every young person
• every option leads to a choice of pathways through learning and into work.

Essential skills

All learning programmes and most qualifications now cover essential skills for learning, work and adult life. Functional skills - the practical skills in English, mathematics and ICT that we all use every day - are now taught in the secondary curriculum. They are also part of the Diploma and, from September 2010, GCSEs and Apprenticeships.

Improving options

Action to make sure that there is a suitable option for every young person includes:

• developing new learning programmes and pathways for young people who need extra support to build their confidence and gain basic qualifications
• strengthening existing qualifications like GCSE and A Level so that they remain fit for purpose and equip young people for higher study and employment
• introducing the Diploma, a brand new qualification. With its mix of classroom activities and hands-on experience, it suits teenagers of all abilities who enjoy learning in a practical way that relates to real life. It's available at Foundation, Higher and Advanced levels. Not all Diploma subjects are available in all areas at the moment so your teenager should check what's available locally
• expanding Apprenticeships for those seeking a work-based route to success. Apprenticeships enable young people to gain qualifications whilst in employment. In some areas, Young Apprenticeships are on offer for 14-16 year olds
• guaranteeing all 16 and 17 year olds an offer of an appropriate place in learning through the September Guarantee.

Improving information, advice and guidance

The government is committed to improving the quality of the information, advice and guidance received by young people to prepare them for the challenges of the modern jobs market. What will this mean for your child?

• The opportunities available to your child are broader than ever before, high quality information, advice and guidance will let them make the most of opportunities and make the right choices and succeed in the future
• Quality careers education, well-delivered, will equip your child with skills to deal with the challenges of the modern jobs market
• Your child's school or college is required to help them to develop the skills they need to navigate the labour market
• The Government's new information, advice and guidance guarantee will ensure your child has access to excellent and impartial support where and when they need it.

Supporting progression

The changes ensure that all options lead somewhere. Young people can change direction later on if they wish, but should check that the options they select do not restrict their future choices.