§ Baroness Blatchasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the estimated cost of introducing the new vocational GCSEs, including materials, equipment and the recruitment and training of appropriately qualified staff. [HL3351]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandThe department has funded an extensive programme of training and support for schools and colleges to support the expansion of vocational opportunities at Key Stage 4. Among other things, this will cover the introduction of the new GCSEs in September 2002. The cost will be £2.7 million in 2001–02 and the programme will be extended in 2002–03. In addition, a general programme with funding of £38 million will be made available in 2002–04. Aimed at increasing work related learning opportunities, it will also support the roll-out of the new GCSEs at Key Stage 4.