The majority of young people (84%) support the government's plans for Vocational GCSEs which will give new options for 14-year-olds that combine practical technical learning (such as coding, construction or manufacturing) with core academic subjects (such as English and Maths).

Vocational GCSEs will have nationally set standards, unlike the existing Technical Awards, and grading and assessment will be regulated by Ofqual to ensure full parity with traditional GCSEs.

Of those 500 polled, who are due to or have recently made choices about their options at aged 14 and 16, nearly half (44%) say vocational and technical routes are looked down on by their peers.

Over a third (37%) feel pressure from their parents to choose academic options from aged 16.

When thinking about their future, their biggest concern was ending up in a job they do not enjoy (69%).

Nearly half (46%) are concerned that advances in artificial intelligence could reduce employment opportunities.

More than half (52%) said they worry about having the right skills for the jobs of the future.

Vocational GCSEs will sit alongside traditional GCSEs and will eventually replace the current Technical Awards. They are set to be available in some subjects as early as September 2029, as part of broader new technical pathways starting in September 2028.