Guiding you through vocational qualification reform
The government’s Post16 Education and Skills White Paper, published on 20 October 2025, set out significant changes to vocational education in England. A key part of these reforms is the introduction of V Levels: new Level 3 vocational qualifications designed to sit alongside A levels and T Levels, giving students clearer choices and more flexibility to combine academic and vocational learning.
The government has also consulted on the design and size of V Levels, subject areas, guidance, and the future of related Level 2 qualifications.
We’re here to guide and support you through these changes, and to help you plan confidently for the future.
Sector updates:
Below gives you further information around what's available for each sector.
Art and design
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher Nationals
T Levels
Business
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher Nationals
T Levels
Apprenticeships
Construction
BTEC: Nationals (AAQs) and Higher Nationals
T Levels
Apprenticeships
Creative media
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher Nationals
T Levels
Digital
BTEC: Nationals (AAQs), Technicals (TOEQs) and Higher Nationals
T Levels
Apprenticeships
Early years
BTEC: Nationals (AAQs), Technicals (TOEQs) and Higher Nationals
T Levels
Apprenticeships
Engineering
BTEC: Nationals (AAQs) and Higher Nationals
T Levels
Apprenticeships
Esports
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher Nationals.
Health/Social Care
BTEC: Nationals (AAQs) and Higher Nationals
T Levels (from Sept 2026)
Apprenticeships
Hospitality
BTEC: Higher Nationals.
Land-based
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher Nationals.
Law
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher National.
Music
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher National.
Performing Arts
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher Nationals.
Protective Services
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027), Higher Nationals, Specialist and Professional.
Science
BTEC: Nationals (AAQs) and Higher Nationals
T Levels (from Sept 2026)
Apprenticeships
Sport
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027), Technicals (Level 2 and 3) and Higher Nationals.
Apprenticeships
Transport and Logistics
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027)
Apprenticeships
Travel and Tourism
BTEC: Nationals (until 2027) and Higher Nationals.
Key sector support
Please refer to our Funding Guide for individual qualification details.
Teaching and Learning Resources
Reform review pages
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