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.
What this means for you
We can tell you now that the government has confirmed they will not remove funding from qualifications in academic year 2026/27 for a number of qualifications previously planned for defunding. They include:
We’re currently reviewing the full details of the announcement and we’ll be in touch in the next few days with updated funding guides for 2026/27 and beyond and practical support to help you plan with confidence. We’ll also share our perspective on the introduction of new qualifications at levels 2 and 3 and what it means for you and your students.
Level 3 reform in England
For centres in England
Reform information and support
Funding for large Digital, Health and Social Care and Science vocational qualifications is expected to be removed. These reforms aim to simplify the post‑16 landscape by focusing on T Levels and smaller technical or academic qualifications.
Changes to funding are expected to be in place from September 2026.
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Digital Health and Social Care Science
Other Sector updates
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.
Yes. You should continue to register students and deliver your BTEC programmes as planned for 2025/26. There are no immediate changes to your current provision. We’re still awaiting all the information about 2026/27, but as soon as we have it, we’ll update our funding guides and let you know. BTEC Level 3 Nationals (AAQs) are fully approved and will remain available until V Levels are introduced.
Explore BTEC Nationals from 2025
The government’s planned defunding of some existing BTEC Level 3 qualifications will continue as previously announced. However, BTEC Level 3 Nationals (AAQs) are fully approved and will remain available until V Levels are introduced.
Explore BTEC Nationals from 2025
V Levels are the government’s proposed new vocational qualifications at Level 3. They will sit alongside A levels and T Levels and are intended to simplify the current landscape by replacing some existing vocational qualifications.
They are expected to be equivalent in size to A levels and designed to support progression into higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.
As experts in vocational and technical education, we’re ready to work with the government on V Levels.
The government has said V Levels will begin to roll out from 2027, following consultation and further curriculum development.
Until that time, BTECs (including the new AAQs) remain available and approved for delivery.
There is no impact on students currently studying BTECs. Their qualifications remain fully valid and valued by universities, employers, and apprenticeship providers.
We’re committed to keeping you fully informed and supported. We will:
The Department for Education launched a public consultation on the key design principles for V Levels. We encouraged you to review the proposals and share feedback. The consultation closed on 12 January 2026.
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Together, we'll ensure your learners continue to receive the excellent vocational education they deserve.