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Read the latest Post-16 review information on our dedicated webpage.
The DfE are introducing a new Level 3 qualification - V Levels and new Level 2 qualifications from September 2027.
Below is a summary and timeline of what we know now. We will continue to provide clarity as we navigate the changes together. The new qualifications will be introduced in phases, with providers expected to transition over 4 years.
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Timeline
Further information
Art and Design
Art and Design
New qualifications will be introduced in the following routes:
Academic Year 2029 to 2030
T Levels (Level 3)
Expansion of Creative and Design
Academic Year 2030 to 2031
V Levels (Level 3)
Art and Performing Arts
Creative, Media and Design
T Levels (Level 3)
Art and Performing Arts
Foundation Certificates (Level 2)
Creative Media and Design
Occupational Certificates (Level 2)
CAD Technician (2D)
T Level available and funded
The DfE will issue fuller guidance around the subjects within these areas in late 2027.
Business
Business
New qualifications will be introduced in the following routes:
Academic Year 2027 to 2028
- V Levels (Level 3)
- Accounting and Finance
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
- V Levels (Level 3)
- Legal Services
- Management, Procurement and Supply Chains
- Marketing and Retail
- Foundation Certificates (Level 2)
- Business, Administration and Law
- Occupational Certificates (Level 2)
- Business and Finance
T Levels available and funded
Construction
Construction
New qualifications will be introduced in the following routes:
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
- V Levels (Level 3)
- Construction Design
- Foundation Certificate (Level 2)
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Occupational Certificate (Level 2)
- Construction (On-site)
- Construction (Finishing Trades)
T Levels available and funded
- Building Services Engineering for Construction
- Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Current BTEC qualifications remain available to apprentices, please refer to Construction and the Built Environment (2017)
Digital
Digital
New qualifications will be introduced in:
Academic Year 2027 to 2028
- V Level(s) (Level 3)
- Digital Systems and Data
- Foundation Certificate (Level 2)
- Digital Systems and Data
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
- Occupational Certificate (Level 2)
- Digital Administration
T Levels available and funded
Early Years
Engineering
Engineering
New qualifications will be introduced in the following routes:
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
- V Levels (Level 3)
- Engineering Design
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Applied Research and Technology (NEW – Sector TBC)
- Foundation Certificate (Level 2)
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Occupational Certificate (Level 2)
- Engineering and Manufacturing
Academic Year 2030 to 2031
- Occupational Certificate (Level 2)
- CAD Technician (2D)
T Levels available and funded
- Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
- Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Current BTEC qualifications remain available to apprentices.
Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care
New qualifications will be introduced in the following routes:
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
- V Levels (Level 3)
- Health
- Social Care
- Healthcare and Clinical Technologies (NEW – Sector TBC)
- T Level (Level 3)
- Social Care
- Foundation Certificate (Level 2)
- Health and Care Services
- Occupational Certificates (Level 2)
- Health and Care Services
- Healthcare and Science
T Level available and funded
Land-based
Media
Media
New qualifications will be introduced in the following routes:
Academic Year 2029 to 2030
- T Levels
- Expansion of Creative and Design
Academic Year 2030 to 2031
- V Levels (Level 3)
- Creative, Media and Design
- Foundation Certificates (Level 2)
- Creative, Media and Design
T Level available and funded
The DfE will issue fuller guidance around the subjects within these areas in late 2027.
Due to the availability of the T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production, the Extended Diploma size of current BTEC Nationals in Creative Media will be defunded in July 2027.
An alternative for the 2019 Creative Media Practice Extended Diploma is Art and Design Practice, which mirrors the Media qualification in structure and assessment and will remain funded until 2030/31.
Performing Arts
Protective Services
Science
Science
New qualifications will be introduced in the following routes:
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
- V Levels (Level 3)
- Healthcare and Clinical Technologies (NEW – Sector TBC)
- Applied Research and Technology (NEW – Sector TBC)
- Foundation Certificates( (Level 2)
- Science
- Occupational Certificates (Level 2)
- Healthcare and Science
T Level available and funded
Transport and Logistics
Travel and Tourism
Key information for:
Teaching and Learning Resources
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