The next 10 years will see a number of changes to the education system designed to give children and young people the necessary basic skills for work and life.
The proposals were first announced in a Government White Paper in February 2005 and more detailed plans have followed in December 2005.
The need for young people to master more functional English, ICT (Information Communication Technology) and maths skills is emphasised in plans to create tougher GCSEs for these three subjects. Also, a new General Diploma consisting of five GCSEs - which must include English and maths - is to be launched.
Reform at Key Stage 3 (11 to 14 years old) and Key Stage 4 (14 to 16 years old) has been proposed in order to increase flexibility in the curriculum and enable pupils to reach their maximum potential, or to allow time for catching up if required.
Vocational routes will also be revised with employers and universities having more input into what is studied, offering more practical learning which will be beneficial in working life.
Students will have the opportunity to choose from 14 new employer-designed diplomas, meaning they can focus on subjects they feel they are well suited to. Five of these diplomas - in ICT, engineering, health and social care, the creative and media industries, and construction and building - will be introduced by 2008.
Five more - land-based and environmental, manufacturing, hair and beauty, business administration and finance, and hospitality and catering - will follow in 2009. Diplomas in retail, travel and tourism, public services, and sport and leisure will be introduced in 2010.
In order for the reforms to benefit as many young people as possible, more places of study are to be made available for 14 to 16 years olds, mixing schools, colleges and the workplace. Also, the 14 to 16 Re-engagement Programme will help to motivate those who feel the mainstream curriculum has nothing to offer them - and are therefore at risk of not achieving their potential - to get back into learning.
Related links:
Read the White Paper
Read the 14 to 19 Implementation Plan