Latest update
Outcome of the DfE consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways in England
On 10 March 2026, 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 understand you’ll have questions about funding for existing qualifications in 2026/27, transition arrangements for 2027 and beyond, and what the introduction of the new qualifications will mean for you and your students.
Art and Design
Art and Design
Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in this route:
- Art and Performing Arts
Academic Year 2030 to 2031
- V Levels (Level 3)
- T Levels (Level 3)
- Foundation Certificates (Level 2)
T Level available and funded
Business
Business
- Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in these routes:
- Business and Administration
- Finance and Accounting
- Sales, Marketing and Procurement
- Legal
Academic Year 2027 to 2028
V Levels (Level 3)
Finance and Accounting
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
V Levels (Level 3)
- Business and Administration
- Legal
- Sales, Marketing and Procurement
T Levels available and funded
- Accounting
- Finance
- Legal Services
- Marketing
- Management and Administration (from September 2027)
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
Foundation Certificates (Level 2)
Business, Administration and Law
Occupational Certificates (Level 2)
- Business and Administration
- Finance and Administration
Construction
Construction
Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in these route:
Construction and the built environment
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
V Levels (Level 3)
T Levels available and funded
- Building Services Engineering for Construction
- Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
- Foundation Certificate (Level 2)
- Occupational Certificate (Level 2)
Qualifications remain available to apprentices, please refer to Construction and the Built Environment (2017)
Digital
Digital
Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in this route:
Digital
Academic Year 2027 to 2028
V Level(s) (Level 3)
T Levels available and funded
Early Years
Engineering
Engineering
Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in the route:
Engineering and Manufacturing
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
V Levels (Level 3)
T Levels available and funded
Qualifications remain available to apprentices.
Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care
Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in this route:
Health and Science
Care Services
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
V Levels (Level 3)
T Level in Care Services (Level 3) TBA
Foundation Certificates (Level 2)
Occupational Certificate (Level 2)
T Level available and funded
Land-based
Media
Media
Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in this route:
Creative and Design (TBA)
Academic Year 2030 to 2031
V Levels (Level 3)
T Levels (Level 3)
Foundation Certificates (Level 2)
T Level available and funded
Due to the availability of the T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production, the Extended Diploma size of current BTEC Nationals will be defunded in July 2027.
An alternative for the 2019 Creative Media Practice qualification is Art and Design Practice, which mirrors the Media qualification in structure and assessment, and shares most teaching content.
The Art and Design Practice Extended Diploma will remain funded until new T Levels are introduced in 2030/31.
Performing Arts
Protective Services
Science
Science
Sector Transition Plan
New qualifications will be introduced in this route:
Health and science
Academic Year 2028 to 2029
V Levels (Level 3)
Foundation Certificates( (Level 2)
Occupational Certificates (Level 2)
T Level available and funded
Transport and Logistics
Travel and Tourism
Guides
Key information for:
Teaching and Learning Resources
Reform review pages
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