A group of young people smiling with the words "Greater Manchester Baccalaureate" in purple

MBacc Year 2


Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc): second year of delivery

Explore the different elements of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate that are launching and testing in the second year of delivery (2025/26).

Building on what has worked well in year 1 and creating exciting new partnerships across all seven gateways, MBacc year 2 aims to: 

1. Strengthen the clear line of sight to GM’s economy 

Beeline for young people in at least 60% of our secondary schools: more young people will benefit from a revamped Beeline, a simple, attractive youth co-designed digital service connecting MBacc pathways to real jobs, virtual work experiences and opportunities to develop their skills 

Work placements and experiences for young people: 

  • Equalex: 50% of schools will be working towards building 10 days’ worth of workplace experience for young people into the curriculum. 

  • T Level industry placements: sourcing innovative placements for post-16 learners and, together with colleges, employers, and young people, evolving an inclusive, ambitious system to help all young people get the right placement for them.

  • Build back apprenticeships for 16–24-year-olds in key sectors.

2. Give young people the skills employers need 

Digital skills

  • Giving open access to specialised digital skills through Stages 2 and 3 of the new Raspberry Pi Certificate in Applied Computing for 15-19 year olds. 

  • Facing the present and future need for AI and Cyber skills through new partnerships to bring these to young people 

Skills for Living

  • 10,000 16–24 year olds will gain essential skills for life, health, and careers through a UNESCO-endorsed Skills 4 Living open learning platform. 

3. Make MBacc inclusive to widen opportunities 

  • Piloting an innovative mentoring programme for young people in, or at risk of entering the youth justice system. 

  • Designing and piloting new supported pathways with young people to increase their access to MBacc opportunities. 

4. Equip adults to support young people’s MBacc journey 

  • Working with the VCFSE sector to co-create meaningful engagement with families and communities. 

There are also exciting new partnerships on the horizon: 

  • Introducing the UTC sleeve in GM in partnership with the Baker Dearing Trust  

  • Learning from The International Baccalaureate 

  • Inaugurating a new innovation group with leaders and influencers in GM’s education system, partnering with academics from across the UK  

  • Establishing new partnerships to accelerate delivery in three gateways led by the Employer Integration Board: 

    • Creative, Culture, and Sport

    • Construction and the Green Economy 

    • Health and Social Care 

Find out how you can get involved with our ongoing MBacc initiatives