The future of post-16 vocational qualifications in England

Q: Do the reforms apply to all parts of the UK?

No. The proposed reforms apply only to England. Centres in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland are not affected. BTECs remain fully approved and funded in those regions. Please check the funding guide for your region for details. Explore useful links (https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/l3-review-updates.html#guides)

Q: What does this mean for current BTEC students?

There is no impact on students currently studying BTECs. Their qualifications remain fully valid and valued by universities, employers, and apprenticeship providers.

Q: Will the V Level replace current Diplomas (720 GLH)?

V Levels in the sector areas announced by government will replace all current BTECs in those subjects but will only be available in 360 GLH (Extended Certificate) sizes, so they will not be a direct replacement in size. However, V Levels will be able to be combined with other V Levels or A levels to build a programme of study.

Q: Can a student switch from an Extended Certificate AAQ to an RQF 720 Diploma now that funding has been extended in their chosen sector?

No, the content and assessments in the AAQ are not shared with the first year of the RQF, so it is not possible to transfer from the AAQ to any RQF qualification.

Q: Will students be able to 'top up' from certificate (180 GLH) size AAQs to the Extended Certificate (360 GLH) AAQ if they decide to go on to a second year of study in the same academic year that V Levels are introduced in the subject?

No, AAQs will be defunded on 31st July of the year prior to the first teach of the equivalent V Level, so topping up after that point will not be possible. In order to ensure a learner who may want to go on to a second year of study, we advise all learners are registered on the Extended Certificate in the year prior to defunding, which will allow they to 'drop down' to the Certificate after one year if they choose to , but ensures they are funded for the full 2 years should they want to continue.

Latest update

Outcome of the DfE consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways in England

On 10 March 2026, the government published the outcome of its consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways. The consultation sought views on the design and implementation of a third, vocational pathway at level 3 — to be called V Levels — and on two new pathways at level 2 in post-16 education. Read our response

We have reviewed the full details of the announcement and have updated funding guides for 2026/27 and beyond to help you plan with confidence. We have also shared our perspective on the introduction of new qualifications at levels 2 and 3 and what it means for you and your students.

The DfE has committed to publishing a full Implementation Plan by June 2026.

Have your say

Consultations

The DfE have launched public consultation on subject content for Level 2 and Level 3 reformed qualifications - Digital, Education and Early Years, Finance and Accounting, and Hospitality. Deadline: 4 June 2026.

Review the content and respond

Ofqual have also launched a consultation on regulating post-16 vocational and technical qualifications at levels 2 and 3. Deadline: 2 July 2026.

Review the content and respond

Shape the future of vocational qualifications

Collaborate with us on the development of new Level 2 and 3 qualifications.

Sign up to join a feedback panel

Pearson support

We know how important clear and timely updates on the post 16 reform are for you. You can be confident that we remain committed to supporting you and your learners with the latest information, including what the changes mean for the delivery of Pearson qualifications in your centre.

Key support links

Information for centres in England

sector information

Plan and deliver with confidence

Based on current information, we have developed a guide around sector outcomes, what this means for funding and qualification options.

Full plan to be published in June 2026 by the DfE.

Download your Guide to Funding and Support

Explore your options

Key support links

Additional information for centres

Introduction of new qualifications

The government has confirmed the introduction of new Level 2 pathways and a third vocational route at Level 3 - V Levels, alongside A levels and T Levels.

They will be introduced from 2027/2028 in a number of subject areas.

The new qualifications will be introduced in phases, with providers expected to transition over 4 years. The DfE has committed to publishing a full Implementation Plan by June 2026.

Future 16 to 19 Level 2 and Level 3 landscape summary

Level 2:

Foundation Certificates

Further Study Pathway (classroom-based)

For students who want to, and are capable of, progressing onto further study on a level 3 pathway, whether T Levels, V Levels or A Levels, after one additional year at level 2.
Strong focus on English and maths, alongside other enrichment activity and exposure to level 3 study.
Sat over 1 year, providing a balance of breadth and depth in a broad vocational area, with content set nationally – 240-300 GLH TBC.
Foundation Certificates focus on applied and practical learning, with content aligned to the level 3 options they support progression onto.

Level 2:

Occupational Certificates

Occupational Pathway (classroom-based)

For students who want to enter a particular level 2 occupation and need to develop their technical knowledge and skills over 2 years, with the aim of progressing into skilled employment in relevant level 2 roles.
Tailored to support progression to work, including employability and enrichment activity.
Sat over 2 years - GLH driven by the relevant occupational standard - 540-720 GLH TBC
Strong focus on English and maths.
Broad introductory content based on the occupational standards and set nationally, as well as occupation specific content.

Level 3:

V Levels

(classroom-based)

Provide broad, vocational qualifications for students who wish to explore a range of routes.
360 GLH TBC, to be studied alongside other qualifications such as other V Levels, A Levels or an English or maths retake.
Blend applied learning with practical assessment, andcontent will be linked to occupational standards and set nationally.
Enable progression to related higher education or an apprenticeship.

Level 3:

T Levels

(classroom-based)

The classroom-based technical route for students who know which broad career area they want to pursue.
A single, large qualification equivalent to three A Levels.
Based on occupational standards.
Includes a minimum 45-day industry placement.
Combine route-specific core content with a specialist component that develops threshold competence in an occupation.
Enable progression to related higher education, apprenticeships, or skilled employment.

Transition timeline

2026/27

2027/28

Defunding of large BTECs in T Level subjects.
First teach Tranche 1.
Development of Tranche 2 and new T Levels.

Tranche 1

Level 2

Occupational Certificates

Catering and Hospitality
Education and Early Years

Foundation Certificates

Digital
Education and Early Years

Level 3

V Levels

Digital
Education and Early Years
Finance and Accounting

2028/29

First teach Tranche 2.
Defunding of corresponding legacy vocational.
Development of Tranche 3.

Tranche 2

Level 2

Occupational Certificates

Business and Administration
Care Services
Construction and the Built Environment
Digital
Engineering and Manufacturing
Finance and Administration
Health and Science
Sports and Leisure

Foundation Certificates

Business, Administration and Law
Care Services
Construction and the Built Environment
Engineering and Manufacturing
Health and Science
Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science

Level 3

V Levels

Business and Administration
Care Services
Construction and the Built Environment
Engineering and Manufacturing
Health and Science
Legal
Sales, Marketing and Procurement
Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science

T Levels

Care Services
Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science

2029/30

First teach Tranche 3.
Defunding of corresponding legacy vocational provision.
Development of Tranche 4 and new T Levels.

Tranche 3

Level 2

Occupational Certificates

Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
Hair and Beauty
Horticulture and Floristry

Foundation Certificates

Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
Catering and Hospitality
Hair and Beauty
Protective Services

Level 3

V Levels

Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
Catering and Hospitality
Hair and Beauty
Protective Services

T Levels

Catering and Hospitality
Expansion of Creative and Design
Hair and Beauty
Protective Services

2030/31

First Teach of Tranche 4.
All industry routes (at Post-16 Level 2 and Level 3 V Levels available.
Summer 2030 last stage of defunding for corresponding legacy vocational provision (at Level 2 and 3).

Tranche 4

Level 2

Foundation Certificates

Art and Performing Arts
Creative and Design
Travel and Tourism

Level 3

V Levels

Art and Performing Arts
Creative and Design
Travel and Tourism

T Levels

Art and Performing Arts
Travel and Tourism

DfE will publish final list of qualifications in June 2026.

Download our Guide for Funding and Support

Frequently asked questions

Do the reforms apply to all parts of the UK?

Can we continue to register students on BTEC programmes?

Yes. You can continue to register students and deliver your current BTECs for cohorts starting in 2026/27. From 2027, V Levels and Level 2 pathways will begin to be introduced.

Current BTEC Level 3 Nationals, BTEC National (AAQs) and BTEC Level 2 Technicals, Firsts and Skills remain fully approved and available until the new qualifications are introduced in the subject area. Extended Diplomas in T Level subjects will have funding removed from 2027 where T Levels are currently available, or in the year the T Level is introduced.

View our Guide to Funding and Support

Refer to your Post-16 funding guide for England

Find out more and sign up for the latest developments around V Levels

Find out more and sign up for the latest developments around Post-16 Level 2 qualifications

When will V Levels and T Levels be introduced in my subject area?

The government’s planned rollout of V levels, Level 2 pathways and T Levels have been shared in their Transition Plan. Further detail about subjects within each route will be provided in the Implementation Plan, expected in June 2026.

Explore the DfE Transition Plan

Download our Guide for Funding and Support

Find out more and sign up for the latest developments around V Levels

Find out more and sign up for the latest developments around Post-16 Level 2 qualifications

What does this mean for current BTEC students?

Will a student be able to combine multiple V Levels for a full study programme, or does it need to include an A level?

Yes, a programme of study can be made up of 3 V Levels and does not need to include A levels. However, there will be some limitations on how V Levels in the same subject area can be combined. It is still to be confirmed in coming years how many V Levels will exist in each subject area, and what the rules of combination within a subject might be.

Note from the response to the Post-16 Skills consultation:
'The government aims to have only one V Level in a subject. Depending on the occupational route, there could be more than one V Level subject in a route. In a very limited number of exceptional cases, we will consider whether a V Level may be partnered with one other V Level from the same route (in a similar way to the model of maths and further maths A Level), which will enable depth of study whilst retaining flexibility and study programme breadth.'

Find out more and sign up for the latest developments around V Levels

Will the V Level replace current Diplomas (720 GLH)?

Can a student switch from an Extended Certificate AAQ to an RQF 720 Diploma now that funding has been extended in their chosen sector?

What will study programmes look like when centres combine different types of qualifications - burden of teaching, learning and especially assessment and QA?

It is recognised that moving from large qualifications to 3 smaller qualifications will mean a big change to how centres organise study programmes, combine qualifications and plan their time and teaching staff. We have produced options guides to help centres understand how different qualifications can be combined and will remain committed to designing teacher and learner-centric L2 qualifications and V Levels that seek to minimise admin and assessment burden wherever possible and make processes clear and straightforward.

Take a look on our new sector hubs for:

Digital Health and Social Care Science

Further sector information to come.

Explore your sector options

View our Guide to Funding and Support

Will students be able to 'top up' from certificate (180 GLH) size AAQs to the Extended Certificate (360 GLH) AAQ if they decide to go on to a second year of study in the same academic year that V Levels are introduced in the subject?

No, AAQs will be defunded on 31st July of the year prior to the first teach of the equivalent V Level, so topping up after that point will not be possible. In order to ensure a learner who may want to go on to a second year of study, we advise all learners are registered on the Extended Certificate in the year prior to defunding, which will allow they to 'drop down' to the Certificate after one year if they choose to , but ensures they are funded for the full 2 years should they want to continue.

Will BTEC AAQs be recognised given their short life? How will standards be set for such a short-lived qualification?

Yes – BTEC AAQs are just the latest version of BTECs. BTECs are the most highly-recognised vocational qualifications for entry to HE in the UK. They carry the BTEC name, which means that universities and stakeholders will still know what these qualifications are decades from now. Over 250 university academics were involved in the development of the BTEC AAQ suite, and we received extensive letters of support from universities for the updated qualifications.

How will Pearson support us during this change?

We’re committed to keeping you fully informed and supported. We will:

Continue to update funding guides and resources as new information becomes available
Provide clear timelines and guidance for transition planning
Work closely with DfE, Ofqual, and the sector to ensure new qualifications meet the needs of students and employers.

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The future of post-16 vocational qualifications in England

Outcome of the DfE consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways in England

Consultations

Shape the future of vocational qualifications

Pearson support

Our commitment to you

Information for centres in England

Plan and deliver with confidence