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Yesterday, the Department for Education (DfE) shared further detail on post-16 qualification reform and implementation timelines. 

We're sharing the key announcements and what they mean for your curriculum planning, student pathways and qualification choices. 

What is the Post-16 Pathways reform?

The Post-16 Pathways reform will introduce new vocational qualification routes in England, including V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates. The reforms are designed to simplify the post-16 qualifications landscape and provide clearer progression routes for learners.

Start planning for the first wave of Pearson's new post-16 Level 2 and Level 3 vocational qualifications for England, with first teaching planned from September 2027.

The Lifelong Education Institute calls for urgent alignment of funding, clearer progression routes, and greater flexibility to address chronic technical skills shortages.

The Department for Education has published its post‑16 pathways implementation plan, setting out changes to the technical and vocational qualifications landscape from 2027. 

The government’s announcement brings greater clarity to its plans for a post-16 system with clear pathways for all learners. It confirms the introduction of a third vocational route at level 3, alongside A levels and T Levels, recognising that learners need choice as they progress into work, further study or higher education.

Today, 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. 

We have been awarded four additional contracts to deliver T Levels in Management and Administration, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control and Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing whilst retaining the contract to deliver the Generation 2 T Level in Accounting, for first teach September 2027. 

First MedTech qualifications built by regional skills experts to address employer need

Today's report represents an important step towards preparing young people for successful and fulfilling futures.