This Green Paper sets out the Government's proposals to reform the secondary education system in England for pupils aged between 14 and 19 years. The proposals aim to modernize the curriculum and qualifications system.

Other measures include: a new structure for the National Curriculum at Key Stage 4, with core compulsory subjects including maths, English, science, ICT and citizenship, as well as some work-related learning; there will be a statutory requirement for all schools to make provision for modern languages, design and technology, the arts and humanities, with greater local flexibility to decide pupil entitlement; more vocational qualifications and hybrid qualifications that combine traditional subjects with vocational training; a distinction grade at A level to identify high achievers; a new generation of Modern Apprenticeships; and greater flexibility in learning pace and progression towards examinations to enable some pupils to take GCSEs later or earlier than age 16.