The future of post-16 level 2 vocational qualifications in England

Level 2

We understand how important the updates and information around the Level 2 reform is to you, and we want to reassure you that we are committed to supporting you and your learners with the latest information and what it means for the delivery of Pearson qualifications.

Post-16 Education, Skills White Paper and Consultation

The government’s Post16 Education and Skills White Paper, published on 20 October 2025, set out significant changes to vocational education in England. A key part of these reforms is the introduction of :

Occupational Certificates (Occupational pathway) are for students who want to study for a particular occupation and need to develop their skills in a classroom-based setting, with the aim of progressing into employment in relevant level 2 roles.

Foundation Certificates (Further Study pathway) are for students who want to pursue further level 3 study, whether on T Levels, V Levels or A levels, but did not meet the entry requirement to progress directly, usually because they did not achieve five grade 4s at GCSE, including English and maths, at age 16. They therefore require more time to develop their knowledge and skills before moving up to the next level.

We’re here to guide and support you through these changes, and to help you plan confidently for the future.

Read our response to the consultation

Our commitment to you

Our top priority right now is to keep you informed and support you through this period of change. We’ll keep you updated on funding implications by updating our funding guides and future communications about the outcomes from the Curriculum and Assessment Review

In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please contact us through the Pearson support portal

Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we'll ensure your learners continue to receive the excellent vocational education they deserve.

We want to reassure you that we are committed to supporting you and your learners with the latest information and what it means for the delivery of Pearson qualifications.

Our commitment to you 

  1. We will continue to keep you informed about changes on our webpages

    Please bookmark this page and visit regularly 

  2. We will send out regular updates to your inbox.

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Contact us

If you would like to speak to someone about the vocational reform and what it means for you, your centre and the qualifications you offer now and in the future, please fill out the form below.