The government has set out plans for a sweeping overhaul of post-16 education, promising a “new deal for young people” aimed at widening routes into skilled work and curbing the growth of university courses that fail to deliver strong outcomes.

At the heart of the reforms is a shift away from what ministers describe as a “degree by default” culture, with increased investment in apprenticeships and stronger oversight of higher education provision. The move is designed to give young people clearer, higher-quality choices between academic and vocational pathways, while tackling youth unemployment and skills gaps across the economy.

Cracking down on poor-quality degrees