But before passing a diploma, students would also have to show "functional" skills in English, maths and information technology.

BBC: High-quality training is available, young people say

In the blueprint for secondary education in England, published on Monday, students will have to pass tests in three "core" skills needed for the workplace - literacy, maths and information and communications technology.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Exam reform may not affect NI

Under 16s will all try to achieve five GCSE qualifications, in English, maths, double science and information technology.

BBC: Southampton Studio School applications open

Armed only with the laws of physics, reams of publicly available information, a little maths and much wit, Mr MacKay attempted to dispel the fog and special pleading surrounding renewable energy.

ECONOMIST: Plain speaking on a highly coloured issue

Morgan: many are likely to put their full pension deficits on their balance sheets next year for the first time, although they already disclose enough information for investors to do the maths themselves.

ECONOMIST: European pension accounting

At the moment, 14 to 16-year-olds in England have to study English, maths, science, design and technology, modern foreign languages, information and communications technology and PE.

BBC: GCSEs 'too easy' for brainy pupils

Subjects affected are identified as engineering, information technology, health and nursing studies, law, business, maths and chemistry.

BBC: Lecture