First look at new Post-16 vocational qualifications
The draft specifications for our new post-16 vocational qualifications planned for September 2027 are now live.
Educators in England can now take a first detailed look at our new post-16 vocational qualifications. We've published draft specifications and sample assessment materials for the first three qualifications planned for first teaching from September 2027:
- Level 3 V Level in Digital Systems and Data
- Level 3 V Level in Education
- Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Education
These early drafts give educators the chance to get to know the new qualifications, understand what to expect from the final specifications when they're available next year, and start shaping your future curriculum plans.
More qualifications coming soon
Draft specifications and sample assessment materials for three more qualifications planned for September 2027 are expected to be available later in the week:
- Level 3 V Level in Accounting and Finance
- Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Digital Systems and Data
- Level 2 Occupational Certificate: Early Years Practitioners
We'll update this page as soon as these draft materials are ready.
What's fixed and what could still change?
These are draft specifications and sample assessment materials, so the content and assessment arrangements remain subject to regulatory approval. We currently expect final versions to be available in spring 2027. Until then, qualification content, assessment details, guidance and supporting materials may change as development and approval work continues. You can use the drafts to support early planning, but you shouldn't treat them as final versions.
Everything you need to get ready to teach
You’ll have practical support to help you plan, teach and assess with confidence.
You can expect a range of complimentary teaching and assessment support, including:
- a comprehensive training and development programme to support you through each stage of the qualification delivery
- planning and delivery guides to support your planning and teaching
- examWizard and ResultsPlus, giving you additional tools to support teaching and assessmen
- additional sample assessment materials and centre standardisation materials
- example programmes of study for qualifications available from September 2027
- support from our subject advisors when you need it.
You'll also be able to choose from published resources, including textbooks, to support your teaching. We'll share more about the support available as you start preparing for first teaching.
Your trusted partner through reform
Vocational education has been at the heart of Pearson qualifications for more than 40 years. We know you'll be making important decisions over the coming months, so we'll continue to share information as early as possible – making it clear what's confirmed, what's still subject to approval and what you need to do next.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to us using the link below and we’ll be happy to help.