Andy Burnham has unveiled plans for a new ‘MBacc’ qualification offering Greater Manchester students a university alternative.
It’s been exactly a year since the Greater Manchester Mayor set out his ambitious plan to create what he has called a “genuine and equal alternative to the university route” for high school students in our region – with the term ‘MBacc’ as we know it explained further towards the end of last year as part of a wider vision for 2024.
Since then, Mr Burnham says he has worked with education and business leaders throughout the region, as well as young people themselves, to design seven MBacc ‘gateways’ which are each linked to a sector that is growing in Greater Manchester.
And now, the Mayor has finally announced, for the first time, his vision for the core MBacc subjects that will underpin those seven ‘gateways’, and ultimately, provide young people with what he hopes is “a clear line of sight” from the age of 14.
It’s a year since @MayorofGM set out his ambitious plan to create an equal alternative to the university route. Greater Manchester has worked with education and business leaders as well as young people to design seven #MBacc gateways
— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (@greatermcr) July 12, 2024
The seven ‘gateways’ of the MBacc, which Andy Burnham says each align with growth sectors in the Greater Manchester economy, are Health and Social Care, Digital and Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing, Construction and the Green Economy, Financial and Professional, Education and Early Years, and finally, Creative, Culture and Sport.
ADVERTISEMENT
The core MBacc subjects are to be the three core English Baccalaureate subjects, English Language and Literature, Maths, and Sciences, as well as the addition of ICT.
When it comes to optional subjects, the MBacc will offer Engineering, Design & Technology, Business Studies, Drama, Music, and Performing Arts, while the EBacc is known for focusing more on modern foreign languages and humanities subjects.
ADVERTISEMENT
Andy Burnham has unveiled a new ‘MBacc’ qualification to offer Greater Manchester students a university alternative / Credit: GMCA | gov.uk
Unlike the English Baccalaureate – which is geared towards the subjects that the UK’s top universities value – however, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) says each MBacc gateway will instead guide young people to the subjects and qualifications that are currently most valued by our region’s employers.
“For too long, the English education system has been built around the needs of just a third of young people who go to university,” Mayor Andy Burnham commented as he unveiled the MBacc last week.
“That means that every year, thousands go through school without a clear path into a good career.
“Our answer is the MBacc – a game-changing new plan for technical education. We’re using our devolved powers to reset the scales and give young people a clear line of sight to good jobs and the steps that will take them there.”
Mr Burnham says he believes that if we don’t make this change now, it could end up being “the single biggest barrier to future growth” and also to the “life chances” of Greater Manchester’s young people.
“The needs of our economy are changing, and right now the system is not capable of keeping pace and meeting the needs of businesses or the ambitions of the next generation.”
Featured Image – gov.uk
News
Man pleads guilty to ‘preparing for acts of terrorism’ in relation to Manchester synagogue attack
Emily Sergeant
A man with links to the Manchester synagogue terrorist attacker has pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism.
Mohammad Asim Bashir, of Shaftesbury Road in Cheetham Hill, appeared at the Central Criminal Court last week (Friday 5 June 2026) and pleaded guilty to one count of preparation for acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2006.
The prosecution will consider the basis of the guilty plea, and now a two-day sentencing hearing has been set for 22-23 July 2026 at Manchester Crown Court.
In case you need a reminder, the shocking knife and car attack took place on 2 October 2025 on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar – at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
During the incident, two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who was shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
A man with links to the Manchester synagogue terrorist attacker has pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism / Credit: Google Maps | GMP
The attacker was named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
Following the terrorist attack, enquiries conducted by detectives identified Bashir as an associate of Jihad Al-Shamie, and established that the two of them had conducted ;hostile reconnaissance of a UK defence facility’ on 14 August 2025.
The pair were seen on CCTV prior to the trip discussing criteria for potential targets to attack.
They were then seen on ANPR cameras making the journey to the site – with Bashir acting as the driver for most of the journey.
He is due to be sentenced next month / Credit: GMP
Speaking following Bashir’s guilty plea, Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts – who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West – commented: “Our comprehensive enquiries led to the offending of Mohammed Bashir coming to light.
“Although not directly linked to the synagogue attack, the fact he conducted hostile reconnaissance alongside a man who would later commit a terrorist attack show the seriousness of his actions.
“We welcome today’s guilty plea and look ahead to the sentencing which is due to take place in July.
“This case will understandably prompt public commentary about the terrorist attack that took place last October. My thoughts today are with all those affected, particularly the loved ones of those whose lives were taken and those who were seriously injured.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Pat Regan at the Fairfield Social Club – a brilliantly unhinged evening of standup comedy
Clementine Hall
There’s a particular kind of chaos that only Pat Regan can deliver, and the recently re-recognised Fairfield Social Club got the full force of it last night.
Making his Manchester debut as part of the ‘A Lovely Time’ series at the equally as lovely Fairfield Social Club, the New York comic, writer, and podcast host arrived with the energy of someone who had already lived through three emotional breakdowns before breakfast and somehow still had the worst to come.
Known for his work on HBO’s Hacks and the cult-favourite podcast Seek Treatment with fellow comic Catherine Cohen, Regan’s stand-up feels less like your traditional comedy set and more like being trapped in the world’s funniest group chat.
The perfectly intimate room beneath Fairfield’s railway arches was packed with adoring fans who were immediately on side as Regan launched into stories about traumatic trips to Paris, Grindr dates, massage tables and having crushes at the gym.
The audience was in the palm of his slightly sweaty hands (don’t worry, he’ll be fine with me saying so), laughing at every awkward punchline and self-deprecating anecdote.
The material is nothing groundbreaking, but this is what makes it so deeply hilarious; never before has shopping for the perfect pair of jeans been so serious and unserious at the same time.
There was laughter rolling through the venue for virtually the entire set, and after an hour of never-ending quips and jokes, we were left wanting more.
And the best part is, it won’t be long until we get more from this place, and it’s no wonder they’re starting to get the hosting plaudits they deserve.
It’s safe to say Fairfield Social Club has become one of Manchester’s most exciting homes for alternative comedy, and this felt like exactly the sort of booking that justifies its growing reputation.
By the time Regan left the stage, the audience looked equal parts exhausted and delighted. An absolutely classy evening indeed.
Find out about what else is on at the Fairfield Social Club HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
17th July 2024 
