Post-16 reforms 

From 2027 onwards, there will be just three qualification routes for 16–19 learners:  

• A Levels  

• T Levels (large, occupational qualifications)  

• V Levels (new vocational certificates).  

V Levels are small, 360 guided learning hours (GLH) and are designed to be combined in a ‘pick and mix’ fashion. They’ll be available in key sectors like education, health and social care, travel and tourism, sport, and protective services.   

These will replace the current mix of vocational qualifications such as Technical Occupational Qualifications (TOQs) and Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs). Subjects will be determined by the Department for Education (DfE) based on evidence of need. 

T Levels will continue to be the main full-time technical qualification. The Government may develop more T Levels where there’s evidence of strong existing provision. Areas such as social care, sport, travel and tourism, and protective services could be considered for future expansion.   

We’ll monitor closely to ensure sector needs are represented and met. 

There will be two new pathways at Level 2:  

• Further Study Pathway (1 year): includes a new Foundation Certificate and supports progression to A, T or V Levels.  

• Occupational Pathway (2 years): includes an occupational certificate with both core and job-specific content.  

All content will be set nationally by the DfE, and assessment and grading decisions will be set by Ofqual. The qualifications will allow learners to transfer between the Further Study and Occupational pathways. Subjects will mirror those available at Level 3, with some grouped together for simplicity. 

The new qualifications will be based on centrally developed content, selectively mapped to occupational standards. Ofqual will set design rules for V Level structure, assessment and grading, and a consistent grading scale is expected across all V Level qualifications.   

There will be no awarding organisation branding on V Levels. This approach aims to ensure consistency, quality and relevance to employers, while reducing duplication across the system. 

Some new V Levels, Foundation Certificates, and Occupational Certificates are expected to be available for first teaching from 2027, with full rollout by 2030-31. It’s understood that, wherever possible, these qualifications will be rolled out together so that each pathway is reformed across both levels. 

The Government will confirm the implementation timetable in its consultation response, expected in early 2026. Existing qualifications will be defunded as new T Levels and V Levels are approved for delivery.