New post-16 qualifications from 2027

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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.

Vocational education has been at the heart of Pearson qualifications for more than 40 years. We're bringing that experience, together with feedback from teachers, leaders, employers and sector experts, into the development of qualifications that retain the applied, career-focused strengths you and your learners value.

What are the new qualifications that are planned for 2027?

The new vocational qualifications that are being introduced for first teach September 2027 are: V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates.

What is a V Level?

They are Level 3 vocational qualifications which combine classroom-based vocational learning with practical assessment and support progression to higher education, apprenticeships and higher-level study. They are a two year course designed for post-16 learners and are an alternative to A levels.

What is a Foundation Certificate?

They are Level 2 vocational qualifications that are designed to support post-16 learners who are ready to take their next step but not yet ready for Level 3 study. These one-year vocational qualifications help learners strengthen their understanding, develop essential study skills and build the confidence they need to progress to Level 3 and prepare for future success.

What is a Occupational Certificate?

They are Level 2 two-year vocational qualifications that support learners preparing for a specific occupation or sector. They help post-16 learners develop the practical knowledge, occupational skills and confidence they'll need for employment, apprenticeships or further technical training.

What subjects are the new quals going to be in?

Level 3 V Levels

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Digital Systems and Data
  • Education

Level 2 Foundation Certificates

  • Digital Systems and Data
  • Education
Level 2 Occupational Certificates
  • Early Years Practitioners

These qualifications are subject to regulatory approval and funding confirmation. We'll keep you updated on the status of each qualification.

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What can you expect and when?

To help you plan ahead, we'll release information in stages:

  • November 2026: draft specifications and sample assessment materials
  • Early 2027: final specifications and sample assessment materials
  • Spring 2027: support materials and training

How can you plan with confidence?

We know reforms of this scale can affect curriculum planning, staffing, assessment, progression and learner support.

There are no reform-related funding changes for the 2026/27 academic year, so you should continue to use the current published funding guidance.

We’ll provide early, practical information at each stage of the reform journey and clearly explain what is confirmed, what remains subject to approval and what you need to do next.

Refer to your funding guidance

Stay up to date

We're running a series of live webinars to help you understand the latest developments and prepare for upcoming changes.

Join a sector-specific webinar for updates on funding, regulatory requirements and transition timelines.

You can also attend a wider post-16 reform briefing covering the overall reforms, funding position and transition arrangements.

From November, we'll run dedicated first-look events for the new qualifications planned for 2027. These sessions will explore the draft specification structure, proposed content and assessment, grading, moderation and the support we are developing for centres.

Draft specifications and sample assessment materials released in November 2026 will be clearly labelled as drafts while regulatory and funding decisions remain in progress.

Explore upcoming briefings and book your place

Supporting you through reform 

As reforms continue to develop, we'll help you understand what's changing, and what actions you may need to consider for future delivery. We're committed to being your partner throughout this transition. 

We'll continue to provide early updates on policy and funding announcements and practical guidance to support curriculum planning.  

Keep up to date with post-16 reform

If you have any questions, you can reach out to us using the link below and we’ll be happy to help.

Contact us via the Pearson support portal

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