Learners and parents
Whether you’re a student or supporting someone who is, we have resources and guidance to support your learning at school or college.
Creating a future for every learner
1 in 5 adults in the UK workforce has a BTEC qualification, so they are qualifications that all employers recognise.
73% of students say they want to learn about topics that are more relevant to them and their lives.
86% of students say they want to learn skills that help them get a job.
What is a BTEC
What is a Higher National
What is an Apprenticeship
Yes! Your BTEC will still be recognised by universities and employers. It will be worth exactly the same as it is now.
Yes! You can carry on applying and enrolling as normal. BTECs continue to offer great results for students and open doors to further study, apprenticeships, and jobs.
Explore your options at your local centre.
The aim is to help learners, families and educators understand where each route can lead and make choices with greater confidence.
The post-16 vocational qualification reforms are designed to create clearer routes for learners and simplify progression after GCSEs. At Levels 2 and 3, qualifications will be grouped into the following distinct categories, with each qualification type having a defined purpose and progression outcome:
- V Levels at Level 3, supporting progression to higher education, higher-level study or apprenticeships.
- Foundation Certificates at Level 2, supporting progression to further Level 2 or Level 3 study.
- Occupational Certificates at Level 2, supporting progression towards skilled employment or an apprenticeship.
We are developing the new qualifications in the first wave of subjects for first teach September 2027. During reform we will continue to offer a portfolio of vocational and academic qualifications including BTECs, T Levels, A Levels and Apprenticeships.
Foundation Certificates will be one-year Level 2 classroom-based qualifications. They are designed for learners who wish to progress to Level 3 study but would benefit from an additional year at Level 2 first.
- provide broad vocational learning in the subject
- focus on applied and practical learning
- support progression to Level 3 study, including V Levels, A Levels or T Levels
Each Foundation Certificate will be between 240 and 300 guided learning hours. Pearson’s first Foundation Certificates are planned in Digital Systems and Data and Education, subject to regulatory approval and funding confirmation, with first teaching from September 2027.
Occupational Certificates will be two-year Level 2 classroom-based qualifications designed to support progression into skilled employment or an apprenticeship.
Learners will study broad introductory content alongside more specialised, occupation-specific learning. They will develop employability skills and wider experience that reflects workplace expectations.
Each Occupational Certificate will be between 540 and 720 guided learning hours, depending on the relevant occupational standard. Pearson’s first Occupational Certificate is planned for Early Years Practitioners, subject to regulatory approval and funding confirmation, with first teaching from September 2027.
Continue your BTEC journey
Already on a BTEC path? You don’t have to start over.
Higher Nationals are a natural next step, building on what you’ve already achieved and helping you move forward with purpose.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Civil Engineering
"Being the only one out of 150 students in year 11 to undertake a BTEC qualification as part of an apprenticeship, was the best decision I could ever make."
Digital marketing apprenticeship
"My apprenticeship experience has been life changing! I have met so many new people, many of whom are highly experienced in their industries and learned so much."
BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport
"It was not just the knowledge that I gained studying BTECs at a variety of levels, but also the employability skills that have really helped me in the workplace."
design & development
“The T Level programme provided a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience that has been essential in shaping my career in AI and digital solutions.”