New GCSE-level technical qualifications could be developed as part of government plans to create stronger vocational pathways for pupils from the age of 14.

Education secretary Lucy Powell has revealed that the Department for Education will consider whether new qualifications are required alongside existing technical awards when the new pathways are introduced.

In a letter sent to the Commons Education Committee on 28 July and published on 1 September, Powell said the government would “explore what new or reformed national qualifications, at GCSE level” might be needed to support the programme.

The technical pathways are expected to launch in 2028, initially using qualifications already available to schools. Any newly developed or reformed qualifications would follow later, with the government yet to confirm a timetable.

Powell said ministers want to make England a “technical education superpower”, placing vocational and academic education on a more equal footing.

She also highlighted the potential for qualifications to reflect local employment opportunities. Referring to Greater Manchester’s MBacc model, Powell said the government wants every young person to have access to “high-quality locally tailored technical qualifications”.

The proposals form part of a wider effort to strengthen the connection between education and employment and provide pupils with clearer alternatives to predominantly academic routes.

The government has previously said it wants technical education to be valued as highly as academic study, while giving young people greater choice over the route that best suits their ambitions.