Labour will "look again" at the Tomlinson report

In an interview with the Independent to mark the launch of the Labour Party's education policy review, Shadow Education Secretary Andy Burnham has said that the party will look again at the recommendations from the Tomlinson Report as a means of tackling the divide between academic and vocational education. The Report, published in October 2004, recommended setting up an overarching diploma covering both academic and vocational routes at GCSE and A-level standard.

Mr Burnham also spoke about his desire to see clear educational pathways: "For the academic route, the 50 per cent going into higher education, it's clear…GCSE followed by A-levels then university. I want equal clarity on the vocational side” he said. 

Turning to apprenticeships, the Shadow Education Secretary suggests that local authorities could be required to come up with a minimum number of apprenticeships per year.

Read the interview