Cornwall College welcomes plan to teach AI from Year 10

For a lot of teenagers, the choice in school still looks like two lanes: stay on the traditional academic path, or feel like you have picked the fallback option. Cornwall College Group (CCG) wants to change that thinking, and it has thrown its support behind government plans that would let pupils study subjects such as manufacturing and artificial intelligence from Year 10.

New routes into work, starting earlier

The proposals, backed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, would expand technical education for young people across the country. Apprenticeships, technical qualifications and vocational education can offer practical experience, industry-recognised skills and a direct route into employment, helping meet the needs of employers and the wider economy.

The changes are designed to give young people greater choice and reduce the number who end up not in education, employment or training, known as NEET. Bringing technical and vocational pathways in earlier is meant to help learners engage with subjects that suit their interests, their strengths and where they want their careers to go.

‘A different way of learning’

David Atkinson-Beaumont, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Students at Cornwall College Group, welcomed the plans and pointed to the benefit of tying education more closely to real jobs.

“Anything that helps young people see the connection between education and real career opportunities is a positive development,” he said. “For too long, many students have felt that traditional academic routes were the only option available to them. Giving young people access to technical and vocational subjects earlier allows them to discover their strengths, explore future careers and make more informed decisions about their education.”

CCG believes the proposals will widen the routes on offer to young people, on the basis that university is not the only road to a successful career. “When students can see the relevance of what they are learning, they are often more engaged and motivated,” David added. “Technical education provides a different way of learning, one that many young people thrive in. Colleges have the facilities and specialisms to help young people explore all of the technical pathways that can allow them to excel. We hope that the reforms strengthen the great partnerships that we have with our local schools.”

Building on links already forged with schools

Across Cornwall, CCG colleges are already working with local schools to introduce pupils to vocational and technical education, giving them the chance to try practical subjects, explore different careers and understand the routes open to them after Year 10 and beyond.

Rory Mason, Principal for General Further Education at Cornwall College Group, said the college network wants to build on that groundwork. “Our work with schools already gives young people the chance to experience vocational education and see where different subjects could take them,” he said. “We look forward to building on these partnerships to create clear pathways from school into college and help more young people progress into further study, apprenticeships and skilled careers.”

A network stretching across the Duchy and beyond

Cornwall College Group brings together further and higher education providers across the South West. That includes Cornwall College campuses in Camborne and St Austell, Duchy College campuses in Rosewarne and Stoke Climsland, Falmouth Marine School, Bicton College in Devon, and University Centres at the Eden Project and in Newquay.

With the right investment in facilities, equipment and staff development, the Group believes reforms of this kind could help build a more skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce, while keeping the broad range of pathways young people need open to them. Anyone wanting to see what is on offer at their local college can find the current course list at cornwall.ac.uk.

Embracing AI, but teaching it properly

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked-about developments in both education and industry, and CCG says it recognises the part it will play in the future workplace. The Group’s position is that AI should be embraced as a learning tool, so long as it is taught responsibly and alongside the critical thinking skills students need to use it well.

Mark Wardle, Executive Principal and Deputy CEO of Cornwall College Group, said today’s learners already have a clear sense of what is coming. “Today’s learners are incredibly aware of the world around them,” he said. “They want to understand emerging technologies, develop practical skills and prepare for careers that may not even exist yet. Giving them access to subjects like advanced manufacturing and AI reflects the realities of the modern economy and aligns education more closely with their aspirations.”

“AI is already transforming the way we live and work, so education has a responsibility to help young people understand it,” Mark continued. “The key is ensuring it is taught appropriately. Students need to learn not only how to use AI effectively, but also how to question it, evaluate information critically and understand the ethical considerations that come with it.”

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