The challenge, they added, lies not in securing a large research grant designed for a 4-year institution, but finding resources to support English language learners or adult vocational education.

WHITEHOUSE: Working with Higher Education Institutions Serving Asian American and Pacific Islanders | The White House

While arguing that the system of vocational qualifications was "complex and opaque", Professor Wolf said that in practice "good levels of English and mathematics continue to be the most generally useful and valuable vocational skills on offer".

BBC: Teenagers must stick at English and maths

There is indeed a crying need for vocational courses that satisfy employers, ensure students reach a decent standard in English and maths, and provide practically minded youngsters with the routes into work that have long been lacking in British education.

ECONOMIST: Qualifications: Testing times | The

The case centres on more than 10, 000 pupils who missed out on a C grade in GCSE English which is a crucial benchmark used for entry into further education, vocational training and employment, but the decision affected all the grade margins.

BBC: Exam boards defend GCSE English role in High Court

The challenge centred on more than 10, 000 pupils who missed out on a C grade in GCSE English, which is a crucial benchmark used for entry into further education, vocational training and employment.

BBC: Court rejects bid to overturn GCSE grades

The new certificate would replace the dozens of existing vocational qualifications with a single "gold standard" exam, which would also include maths and English.

BBC: UK Politics