Andy England: Darfield High School Principal on the bolstering of trades, axing of Fees Free in Budget 2026

Mixed feelings over the Government’s shift from university study toward trades training.  The Budget doubles Trades Academy places to 20,000 over four years, giving more secondary students access to vocational training while at school.  It's being funded by scrapping Fees Free.  Canterbury's Darfield High School Principal Andy England told Andrew Dickens students who were undecided about university will feel the impact of losing the scheme.  But he says for many years we've been gearing school for those going to university and has advocated for this to be rebalanced.  England says Trades Academies work well at senior year levels, when student want to try out polytechs or trades while staying in school.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.