Local leaders invited to shape reforms preparing young people for work
The Department for Education says local leaders will help shape reforms to vocational education, work experience and funding for 16 to 19-year-olds.
Local input on education reforms
The Department for Education said local leaders would help shape plans to improve England’s education system and prepare young people for work.
Regional mayors, business leaders, headteachers and college principals were due to meet at No10 North in Manchester on Thursday 10 September. The department said the summit would focus on plans to make England a technical education superpower and put technical and academic education on an equal footing.
The discussions will cover the delivery of vocational education reforms from age 14, opportunities for work experience and the use of devolved funding for 16 to 19-year-olds. The department said the meeting would be the first of regular gatherings bringing together industry, politicians and educators to advance the reforms.
Education and local government
The meeting comes ahead of publication of the Devolution White Paper, which the department said would set out plans to give local leaders a greater role in shaping economic growth and opportunity in their areas.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell is due to tell participants that education policy should be co-designed with people delivering services and those who understand local strengths and challenges. She is also expected to describe devolution as a partnership between national government and local areas.
The department said the reforms build on the introduction of V Levels from age 16 and the planned expansion of T Levels from next September. It linked the changes to efforts to address the nearly 1 million young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Universities and local partnerships
On the same day, Minister Smith is due to address the higher education sector at the start of the new term. Speaking at the annual University UK conference, she will call on universities to work with local leaders, colleges and employers to identify local opportunities, shape courses and create work experience.
The department cited partnerships involving the University of Hull, Siemens Gamesa and Ørsted in the Humber, and arrangements between UWE Bristol, University Centre Weston, Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace in the West of England. It said these partnerships provide placements, degree apprenticeships and training linked to local industries.
Announcing body: Department for Education, 10 September 2026.
Key takeaways
- The Department for Education said local leaders would help shape plans for England’s education and training system.
- A summit in Manchester will discuss vocational education from age 14, work experience and devolved funding for 16 to 19-year-olds.
- The department said the meeting would be the first of regular gatherings involving industry, politicians and educators.
FAQ
Who was invited to the summit?
Regional mayors, business leaders, headteachers and college principals were invited to the summit at No10 North in Manchester.
What issues will the discussions cover?
The discussions will cover vocational education reforms from age 14, work experience opportunities and the devolution of funding for 16 to 19-year-olds.
Will there be further meetings?
The Department for Education said the summit would be the first of regular gatherings bringing together industry, politicians and educators.
What other education changes were mentioned?
The department said the reforms build on the introduction of V Levels from age 16 and the planned expansion of T Levels from next September.