Post-16 Level 3 in England
What's changing and when?
Funding for largest Digital vocational qualifications will be removed in 2027. These reforms aim to simplify the post‑16 landscape by focusing on T Levels and smaller technical or academic qualifications.
Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)
BTEC Nationals
Nationals and Nationals AAQs
Available qualifications:
BTEC Nationals in Applied Science (Diploma and Extended Diploma)
BTEC Nationals in Applied Psychology (Certificate and Extended Certificate)
BTEC Nationals in Forensic and Criminal Investigation (Foundation Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diploma)
Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Applied Science (Certificate and Extended Certificate
Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)
T Levels
T Level in Science
T Levels are two-year, full-time programmes equivalent to three A Levels for learners wishing to focus exclusively on their technical subject.
Content:
- Core component – 3 exam papers
- Employer-Set Project (ESP)
- Occupational Specialisms:
- Food Science
- Laboratory Science
- Industry placement (minimum 315 hours)
- Core assessment through exams and ESP
- OS assessment which includes practical activities
Other Small or Academic Qualifications
Other vocational and academic qualifications
A levels Qualifications
A levels courses in subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Physics provide advanced academic knowledge for further education or careers.
GCSE Resits
GCSE English and Maths resits help learners improve essential skills necessary for academic progress where needed.
Extended Project Qualification
Level 3 stand-alone qualification equivalent to half an A level.
Qualifications for age 14+ learners (Key Stage 4)
Qualifications for 14+ learners (Key Stage 4)
Qualifications for age 16+ learners
Qualifications for age 18+ learners
Qualifications for 18+ learners/adults
Applied Science
Rubiya Mahjabin studied BTEC whilst working part-time as a pharmacy technician. Her plan was to study A levels to extend knowledge and gain UCAS points to progress into university to qualify as a pharmacist.
"BTEC is the bridge from who I am to who I’m meant to be. It taught me that learning is living, and living is learning.”
