Andy Burnham’s plans for technical education build on coalition’s UTC roots

The Guardian UK Wednesday 29 July 2026, 07:00 UTC By Sally Weale Education correspondent 1 min read

Key Points

PM’s vocational model also takes inspiration from former education secretary Kenneth Baker’s visionAndy Burnham’s plans to put academic and technical education routes on an equal footing in England have been welcomed by many, but none were more enthusiastic than the former Conservative minister Kenneth Baker.“I’m very impressed with what he has said,” the 91-year-old former education secretary, home secretary and Conservative party chair told the Guardian. “It’s a very significant announcement.

PM’s vocational model also takes inspiration from former education secretary Kenneth Baker’s vision

Andy Burnham’s plans to put academic and technical education routes on an equal footing in England have been welcomed by many, but none were more enthusiastic than the former Conservative minister Kenneth Baker.

“I’m very impressed with what he has said,” the 91-year-old former education secretary, home secretary and Conservative party chair told the Guardian. “It’s a very significant announcement. I’m going to try to persuade the Conservative party to support this.”

Andy Burnham’s (PERSON) UTC (ORG) Kenneth Baker (PERSON) Burnham (PERSON) England (LOCATION) Conservative (ORG) Conservative party (ORG) Guardian (ORG) the Conservative party (ORG)

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