The future of post-16 level 3 vocational qualifications in England

Updated 5 November 2024

In July the DfE announced an immediate pause and review of the post-16 vocational qualification reform in England.

Read the announcement

It means that:

  • The DfE has placed a one year pause on the removal of 16 to 19 funding from qualifications assessed as overlapping with T Levels in construction and the built environment, digital, education and early years, and health and science. These qualifications were originally scheduled to have their funding approval removed in the 16 to 19 offers after 31 July 2024 but will now continue to remain available up to 31 July 2025. This will allow time for a review of post-16 level 3 and below reforms to conclude by the end of the year. 
  • The DfE has published a list of reformed level 2 qualifications that will be funded from August 2025, in Construction and the Built Environment, Education and Early Years, Engineering and Manufacturing, and Health and Science.

View the list of reformed level 2 qualifications

  • A reminder that approved Alternative Academic Qualifications and Technical Qualifications, will be funded from August 2025. 

Read more from the DfE about funding AAQs from 2025

Explore our Alternative Academic qualifications and Technical qualifications

Read more about the outcome of Wave 4 Appeals

Once the review outcomes are published (anticipated end of the year) we will be in touch, to explain how this impacts you and your learners.

FAQs

IMPORTANT NOTE: These are in accordance with current guidance and are subject to the rapid review outcomes.

Funding approved for first teach September 2025

We are pleased to announce that all 12 of our new BTEC Level 3 qualifications submitted for approval in July 2023, have been approved for funding and will be available for first teaching from September 2025.

You can continue to teach BTEC with confidence and be reassured that these highly valued qualifications will continue to be a vital part of the Level 3 qualifications landscape in England in the future.

Download your guide to BTEC Nationals 2025

If you would like to speak to someone about the vocational reform and what it means for you, your centre and the qualifications you offer now and in the future, please fill out the form below.













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