Michael Gove, the education secretary, has defended the government's decision to downgrade the worth of vocational qualifications.

According to the Conservative MP, it is imperative that young people prove there talents on an academic level.

Under new government plans, some of the more obscure subjects currently being studied in classrooms in the UK will lose their GCSE-status.

Explaining the move, Mr Gove said: "I think it's important that children up to the age of 16 years are introduced to a wide range of options that will help motivate and excite them. And that will include ... various different design and technology courses."

Despite this, the education secretary asserted that it is important not to limit children's choices, adding: "That means not arbitrarily saying that they should pursue courses that limit their capacity to progress afterwards."

Sir Michael Wilshaw, the Ofsted head, has also voiced his determination to see children return to studying a more traditional curriculum.