Post-16 Review Updates

Q: Do the reforms apply to all parts of the UK?

No. The proposed reforms apply only to England. Centres in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland are not affected. BTECs remain fully approved and funded in those regions. Please check the funding guide for your region for details. Explore useful links

Q: What does this mean for current BTEC students?

There is no impact on students currently studying BTECs. Their qualifications remain fully valid and valued by universities, employers, and apprenticeship providers.

Q: Will a student be able to combine multiple V Levels for a full study programme, or does it need to include an A level?

Yes, a programme of study can be made up of 3 V Levels and does not need to include A levels. However, there will be some limitations on how V Levels in the same subject area can be combined. It is still to be confirmed in coming years how many V Levels will exist in each subject area, and what the rules of combination within a subject might be. Note from the response to the Post-16 Skills consultation: 'The government aims to have only one V Level in a subject. Depending on the occupational route, there could be more than one V Level subject in a route. In a very limited number of exceptional cases, we will consider whether a V Level may be partnered with one other V Level from the same route (in a similar way to the model of maths and further maths A Level), which will enable depth of study whilst retaining flexibility and study programme breadth.' Find out more and sign up for the latest developments around V Levels

Q: Can a student switch from an Extended Certificate AAQ to an RQF 720 Diploma now that funding has been extended in their chosen sector?

No, the content and assessments in the AAQ are not shared with the first year of the RQF, so it is not possible to transfer from the AAQ to any RQF qualification.

Q: Will students be able to 'top up' from certificate (180 GLH) size AAQs to the Extended Certificate (360 GLH) AAQ if they decide to go on to a second year of study in the same academic year that V Levels are introduced in the subject?

No, AAQs will be defunded on 31st July of the year prior to the first teach of the equivalent V Level, so topping up after that point will not be possible. In order to ensure a learner who may want to go on to a second year of study, we advise all learners are registered on the Extended Certificate in the year prior to defunding, which will allow they to 'drop down' to the Certificate after one year if they choose to , but ensures they are funded for the full 2 years should they want to continue.

The future of post-16 vocational qualifications at Levels 2 and 3

Clear guidance. Trusted support.

We’re here to guide and support you through post-16 vocational qualification reform, and to help you plan confidently for the future.

Speak to us about reform

Understanding what's changing and what comes next

Qualification reform is reshaping the post-16 landscape in England. Whether you're reviewing your curriculum, planning future delivery or supporting learner progression, it's important to understand what is changing, when it is happening and what it means for your organisation.

To stay informed on the latest post-16 vocational reforms including the introduction of V Levels, Foundation Certificates, Occupational Certificates, BTEC funding and guidance, visit our V Levels and post-16 vocational qualifications page.

Explore V Levels and vocational qualifications

Latest updates

The Department for Education has published its post‑16 pathways
implementation plan.

Funding in England remains unchanged for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
Our funding guide explains what this means for you and your learners

Read post‑16 pathways implementation plan

Shape the future of vocational qualifications

Collaborate with us on the development of new Level 2 and 3 qualifications.

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The future vocational qualification landscape

Designed to create clearer routes for learners and simplify progression pathways.

Explore the new landscape

Level 2

Level 3

Frequently asked questions

Do the reforms apply to all parts of the UK?

Can we continue to register students on BTEC programmes?

You can continue to register students and deliver your current BTECs for cohorts starting in 2026/27. From 2027, V Levels and Level 2 pathways will begin to be introduced.

Current BTEC Level 3 Nationals, BTEC National (AAQs) and BTEC Level 2 Technicals, Firsts and Skills remain fully approved and available until the new qualifications are introduced in the subject area. Extended Diplomas in T Level subjects will have funding removed from 2027 where T Levels are currently available, or in the year the T Level is introduced.

View our Guide to Funding and Support

Explore the new qualificaitons

When will V Levels and T Levels be introduced in my subject area?

The government’s planned rollout of V levels, Level 2 pathways and T Levels have been shared in their Transition Plan. Further detail about subjects within each route is provided in the Post-16 pathways Implementation Plan.

Explore the DfE Transition Plan

View the Post-16 pathways: implementation plan

The first V Levels are planned for first teaching from September 2027. Pearson is currently developing V Levels in Accounting and Finance, Digital Systems and Data, and Education, subject to regulatory approval and funding confirmation.

Explore our new qualifications

Further subject areas are expected to become available in phases. Additional V Levels are planned for first teaching between the 2028/29 and 2030/31 academic years. Later-stage information remains subject to the qualification development and regulatory process.

Download our Guide for Funding and Support

What does this mean for current BTEC students?

Will a student be able to combine multiple V Levels for a full study programme, or does it need to include an A level?

Yes. V Levels are designed to be studied alongside other qualifications, giving learners flexibility to build a programme around their interests, strengths and future plans.

a V Level with one or more A Levels

different V Levels

V Levels with English or Maths resits

Because a V Level is equivalent in size to one A Level, it can support mixed academic and vocational programmes. This may suit learners who want applied learning while keeping a range of higher education, apprenticeship and employment options open.

Note from the response to the Post-16 Skills consultation:
'The government aims to have only one V Level in a subject. Depending on the occupational route, there could be more than one V Level subject in a route. In a very limited number of exceptional cases, we will consider whether a V Level may be partnered with one other V Level from the same route (in a similar way to the model of maths and further maths A Level), which will enable depth of study whilst retaining flexibility and study programme breadth.'

Explore our new qualifications

Will the V Level replace current Diplomas (720 GLH)?

V Levels in the sector areas announced by government will replace all current BTECs in those subjects but will only be available in 360 GLH (Extended Certificate) sizes, so they will not be a direct replacement in size. However, V Levels will be able to be combined with other V Levels or A levels to build a programme of study.

Example programmes of study are available on our Subject hub pages.

Explore your subject options

Explore our new qualifications

Can a student switch from an Extended Certificate AAQ to an RQF 720 Diploma now that funding has been extended in their chosen sector?

What will study programmes look like when centres combine different types of qualifications - burden of teaching, learning and especially assessment and QA?

It is recognised that moving from large qualifications to 3 smaller qualifications will mean a big change to how centres organise study programmes, combine qualifications and plan their time and teaching staff. We have launched subject hub pages where your options and example programmes of study can be found. This information will hopefully help centres understand how different qualifications can be combined and we will remain committed to designing teacher and learner-centric L2 qualifications and V Levels that seek to minimise admin and assessment burden wherever possible and make processes clear and straightforward.

Explore your subject options

View our Guide to Funding and Support

Will students be able to 'top up' from certificate (180 GLH) size AAQs to the Extended Certificate (360 GLH) AAQ if they decide to go on to a second year of study in the same academic year that V Levels are introduced in the subject?

No, AAQs will be defunded on 31st July of the year prior to the first teach of the equivalent V Level, so topping up after that point will not be possible. In order to ensure a learner who may want to go on to a second year of study, we advise all learners are registered on the Extended Certificate in the year prior to defunding, which will allow they to 'drop down' to the Certificate after one year if they choose to , but ensures they are funded for the full 2 years should they want to continue.

Will BTEC AAQs be recognised given their short life? How will standards be set for such a short-lived qualification?

Yes – BTEC AAQs are just the latest version of BTECs. BTECs are the most highly-recognised vocational qualifications for entry to HE in the UK. They carry the BTEC name, which means that universities and stakeholders will still know what these qualifications are decades from now. Over 250 university academics were involved in the development of the BTEC AAQ suite, and we received extensive letters of support from universities for the updated qualifications.

How will Pearson support us during this change?

We’re committed to keeping you fully informed and supported. We will:

Continue to update funding guides and resources as new information becomes available
Provide clear timelines and guidance for transition planning
Work closely with DfE, Ofqual, and the sector to ensure new qualifications meet the needs of students and employers.

Understanding what's changing and what comes next

Latest updates

Shape the future of vocational qualifications

The future vocational qualification landscape

Level 2

Level 3

Frequently asked questions

Do the reforms apply to all parts of the UK?

Can we continue to register students on BTEC programmes?

When will V Levels and T Levels be introduced in my subject area?

What does this mean for current BTEC students?

Will a student be able to combine multiple V Levels for a full study programme, or does it need to include an A level?

Will the V Level replace current Diplomas (720 GLH)?

Can a student switch from an Extended Certificate AAQ to an RQF 720 Diploma now that funding has been extended in their chosen sector?

What will study programmes look like when centres combine different types of qualifications - burden of teaching, learning and especially assessment and QA?

Will students be able to 'top up' from certificate (180 GLH) size AAQs to the Extended Certificate (360 GLH) AAQ if they decide to go on to a second year of study in the same academic year that V Levels are introduced in the subject?

Will BTEC AAQs be recognised given their short life? How will standards be set for such a short-lived qualification?

How will Pearson support us during this change?

Funding guides and useful links

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The future of post-16 vocational qualifications at Levels 2 and 3

Understanding what's changing and what comes next

Latest updates

Shape the future of vocational qualifications

The future vocational qualification landscape

Level 2

Level 3

Foundation Certificates