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Post‑16 qualification reforms – a new vocational education landscape

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What you need to know about qualification reforms

You will find key policy updates, guidance on qualification changes, new products in development, and upcoming events to help you navigate the future of the vocational and technical education landscape with confidence.

An overview of the new post‑16 landscape

A new chapter for post‑16 education is emerging as the government undertakes a major reform of the qualifications system. The post-16 education and skills white paper lays out plans to make choices clearer and more flexible with a mix of academic, technical and vocational programme options after GCSEs. The reforms also aim to strengthen pathways and better align learning with national skills needs.

At the heart of these changes is the introduction of V Levels, replacing around 900 existing vocational qualifications to create a clearer, more coherent offer for young people, alongside streamlined level 2 routes. This shift is driven by the urgent need to tackle critical skills shortages while improving progression, boosting attainment, and building a more responsive skills pipeline that directly supports economic growth.

level 2 vocational pathway

Level 2 reforms: Two new pathways 

To support learners aged 16-19 more effectively, two new level 2 pathways are being introduced:

  • Further Study pathway (1 year): A Foundation Certificate supporting progression into level 3 V Levels, T Levels or A Levels.
  • Occupational pathway (2 years): An Occupational Certificate for learners preparing to enter into a specific level 2 job role or an apprenticeship.

First Foundation Certificates (from September 2027):

  • Digital
  • Education & early years

First Occupational Certificates (from September 2027):

  • Catering & hospitality
  • Education & early years 
level 3 vocational pathway

Level 3: A new vocational pathway 

England’s post‑16 system is being simplified into three clear qualification pathways at level 3 for 16-19 learners:

  • A Levels (level 3 academic route)
  • T Levels (level 3 technical route with industry placement – with more subjects coming soon)
  • V Levels (level 3 new vocational route, each equivalent in size to one A Level).
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What are V Levels?

V Levels are a new broad level 3 vocational qualification, each the size of one A Level, designed so learners can combine them with A Levels and other V Levels to build a programme tailored to their interests. They focus on applied skills and are linked to occupational standards.

First V Level subjects (from September 2027):

  • Digital
  • Education & Early Years
  • Finance & Accounting

Further subjects will be phased in from 2028 to 2030 as part of the 16-19 reforms.

Get in touch

Keep up to date with post‑16 reforms, including key updates on products, events, timelines, and implementation.

Key dates and timelines

March 2026:

  • Government publishes the post‑16 consultation response and the transition plan.

June 2026:

  • Strategic transition planning statements to be completed by mid-June.

September 2027:

  • First V Levels launched: Digital, Education & Early Years, Finance & Accounting.
  • First Occupational Certificates launched: Catering & Hospitality and Education & Early Years.
  • First Foundation Certificates launched: Digital and Education & Early Years.

2028-2030:

  • Additional V Levels introduced
  • T Levels refined and expanded

View timeline for new subjects

Providers should also due to have funding removed from August 2027.

Timelines may be subject to change, but we will continue to keep our customers updated.

Support for providers

City & Guilds is here to help you navigate the transition with confidence. We provide practical, up‑to‑date support so you can plan, prepare and deliver high‑quality programmes such as V Levels and the new level 2 pathways as part of the roll-out of post-16 reforms.

Whether you're planning for 2027 or shaping your long‑term strategy, we’re ready to support you at every step.

Our support includes:

    Sector‑specific curriculum guides to help you shape coherent programmes.

    Customer briefings with the latest policy, funding and implementation updates.

    Regular insights straight to your inbox, keeping you informed as timelines and subject details evolve.

    Live webinars and events to unpack reforms and share best practice.

    One‑to‑one consultations to support curriculum design, progression planning and readiness for first teaching of V Levels.

Technical qualifications for the 2026 academic year

Existing reformed qualifications: Technicals New Generation

City & Guilds Technicals New Generation qualifications were developed as part of the previous government reforms. These level 2 and 3 qualifications align with national occupational standards and equip learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for employment or further technical study

The suite is already available across key sectors including automotive, building services engineering, teaching, dental and construction, with level 2 technical occupational qualifications in bricklaying, wood occupations, painting and decorating, plastering and maintenance operations.

From September 2026, new level 3 pathways in bricklaying and site carpentry will further expand progression routes and help meet workforce demand in the sector, and these qualifications will be funded in England.

Discover the full details

Frequently asked questions

Can students combine V Levels with A Levels?

Yes. Each V Level is the size of one A Level, enabling personalised mixed programmes.

How are V Levels different from T Levels?

T Levels are large (equivalent to three A Levels) with a mandatory industry placement; V Levels are smaller vocational options that can be combined with A-Levels.

When do V Levels start and what are the first subjects?

First teach is September 2027, in Digital; Education & Early Years; Finance & Accounting.

What’s changing at level 2?

Two new pathways are being introduced: the Further study pathway (Foundation Certificate) and the Occupational pathways (Occupational Certificate).

Where can I find funding decisions?

See the DfE list of qualifications with funding removal from August 2027.

Latest updates in qualification reforms

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