AQA welcomes the Government’s announcement to encourage more technical and vocational pathways for young people
The reforms are a welcome step forward towards tackling the challenges of keeping young people engaged in education, training and employment
Published
Tuesday 28 Jul 2026
AQA has welcomed Government reforms to encourage young people to stay in education, employment or training.
Colin Hughes, AQA CEO, said:
“Today’s announcement is a welcome step towards tackling the complex challenges of keeping young people engaged in education, training and employment while also meeting local labour market needs and boosting productivity.
“Young people need to be able to make informed choices, supported by high quality academic and vocational pathways. The plan set out by the Prime Minister today is one of the missing pieces in the current vocational reform programme. New 14-16 vocational qualifications could and should provide a strong foundation for new V Levels.
“AQA looks forward to working with the Government to consider how these new qualifications can sit alongside the general and vocational qualifications reforms that are already being developed, without losing momentum.”
Further information
AQA is best-known for GCSEs and A-levels. As a charity, we have a moral responsibility to support a wider range of learners and so that’s why we’ve been expanding into vocational qualifications and training.
In the last few years, three new organisations have joined AQA Group, all based in the north of England, which support young people and adults develop skills and get jobs in sectors such as construction, the early years, health and social care, hospitality and transport.
Drawing upon this expertise and our long history, we’re well placed to support young people learn the skills that will meet the needs and interests of their local communities.
In the last three years, AQA has acquired:
- Training Qualifications UK, which, like AQA, is based in Manchester
- Construction EPA, which is based in Preston
- Realise Training Group, which is based in Sheffield.
In March, AQA said it would deliver V Levels and other new vocational qualifications, which will allow young people to mix and match academic and vocational subjects.