What now for post-16 level 2 and below BTECs?

• The proposal is to continue funding non FSQ/GCSE qualifications in English and maths at level 1 and below, for the small cohort who cannot access GCSEs and FSQs directly.
• However, DfE propose to remove funding approval from existing level 2 non-FSQs/GCSE English and maths qualifications. FSQs and GCSEs will be the option for learners at this level.
• It is proposed that all alternative qualifications in English and maths should be developed against the National Standards for Adult Literacy and Numeracy.

• The DfE consider that for a number of students, these qualifications will remain an essential part of their post-16 education.
• The proposal is to streamline the system by developing a set of national standards for PSE, similar to the standards underpinning Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs), which include core content, key skills and behaviours, and set out a clear continuum of skills development and progression across the levels.
• DfE propose to develop standards for qualifications that deliver: Personal and social skills, Employability skills,
  and Independent living and life skills.
• The standards, supported by comprehensive
  frameworks, would underpin qualification design, and in future, only qualifications designed to meet the requirements of the standards would be in
  scope for funding approval. 
• DfE will consider responses to this consultation and then consult separately on the detailed implementation of proposals for PSE qualifications.

• In the call for evidence the DfE consulted on proposals to remove post-16 funding from level 2 ICT User qualifications and level 2 ICT FSQs. As a result of the consultation, the DfE will remove post-16 funding approval from these qualifications for new starts from August 2022.
• For Pearson, this means the following qualifications will not be funded for post-16-year-olds after July 2022:

- 50098275: FSQ in ICT L2

- 50078197: BTEC L2 Diploma for IT Users (ITQ)

- 50078203: BTEC L2 Award for IT Users (ITQ)

- 5007832X: BTEC Level 2 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ)

• Funding will only be removed for learners on the following ESFA funded offers: 16 to 19 study programmes, ESFA funded adult education budget (AEB), including local
  flexibility, and European Social Fund (ESF).
• This will not affect funding approval where the qualifications are taken by students aged 14 to 16
  (at Key Stage 4), as part of a traineeship, or as part of an apprenticeship.  
• The DfE intends that these skills will now be gained through new EDSQs (for up to level 1) or, once introduced,
  through reformed digital FSQs.
• Further information on the Pearson qualifications affected can be found on our website here.

• The DfE propose that awarding organisations put forward qualifications for future funding approval. The detail of the approvals process at level 2 and below will be set out following the consultation, subject to further discussions with Ofqual and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). 
• Existing qualifications that are not considered as part of this approvals process, or do not meet the new criteria, will not be approved for funding. 

The DfE expect the expect the reforms to take place in a phased way from September 2024 to September 2027, starting with reform to qualifications in the Construction route at level 2, followed by other level 2 qualifications and finally, in 2027, level 1, entry level, ESOL and PSE qualifications.