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
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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