Students receiving exam results

Ofsted has reported a satisfactory start for new GCSEs in vocational subjects but has suggested that further improvements are needed.

Despite making a satisfactory start schools need to do more to increase and improve the vocational activities and experiences of pupils taking the new GCSEs in vocational subjects, according to the report.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Dr Mary Bousted, ATL's general secretary said: "ATL is pleased to see that Ofsted has recognised that vocational GCSEs must have their own distinguishable features and not be seen as a traditional qualification with a work-related element lumped on the end.

"Although the report acknowledges that teachers must be provided with opportunities to develop their vocational knowledge, it fails to mention that this cannot be achieved without the government being prepared to provide teachers with high quality, fully funded and readily available continuing professional development.

"Work-related learning will be statutory for all pupils at Key Stage 4 from September, but too much emphasis still remains on maintaining the status quo.

"The snobbery surrounding the academic/vocational divide has to be tackled. If it is allowed to prevail, vocational pathways will continue to be seen to exist only for those young people who cannot cope with the traditional courses."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

John Bangs, head of education at the NUT, said: "Vocational GCSEs are going in the right direction and allowing pupils to choose both vocational and academic courses rather than being pushed into a narrow straightjacket.