Building parity of esteem between vocational and academic study,  eight new GCSE (general certificate of secondary education) courses in vocational subjects have been introduced from September 2002, and they are: applied science, applied IT, applied business, applied art and design, engineering, manufacturing, health and social care, and leisure and tourism.

Implementation of this £38 million ‘increased flexibility' programme for 14-16 year olds is through the local partnerships between schools and further education colleges. The partnerships are being supported by local Learning and Skills Councils, local education authorities and the Learning and Skills Development Agency (coordinating the programmes of training).

Progression: the courses will provide post-16 pupils with access to advanced vocational certificate of education (AVCE) or national diploma courses. Learning through training at training organisation or extended work experience will give pupils access to vocational awards like NVQs (national vocational qualification), BTEC (business and technology education council) and technical certificates.

                                                                 ► academic: GCSE A-Level  ►degree

Note:  Normal routes for 16 year olds   ► GCSE            depending on the GCSE grades

                                                                  ► vocational: GNVQ  ►NVQ/HNC/HND