Key dates
Spring 2024: Outcome of qualifications approved for delivery in Level 3 Cycle 1 (5 Sector Subject Areas – SSAs) and Level 2 Cycle 1 (4 SSAs).
Spring 2025: Outcome of qualifications approved for delivery in Level 3 Cycle 2 (10 SSAs) and Level 2 Cycle 2 (11 SSAs).
September 2025 Cycle 1: First teach of reformed qualifications for 2025-26 – Level 3 and Level 2 qualifications across Cycle 1 SSA areas.
September 2026 Cycle 2: First teach of reformed qualifications for 2026-27 – Level 3 and Level 2 qualifications across Cycle 2 SSA areas plus Level 2 qualifications supporting progression to Level 3 technical and academic routes and subject areas which have been reformed in 2025
September 2027 Cycle 3: First teach of reformed qualifications for 2027-28 – Level 2 and below qualifications funded from 2027 including all Level 1 and Entry and all PSE qualifications plus Level 2 qualifications supporting progression to Level 3 technical and academic routes and subject areas which have been reformed in 2026
September 2028 Cycle 4: First teach of reformed qualifications for 2028-29 – Level 2 and below qualifications funded from 2028 in English, Maths and ESOL, Skills for Life
Timeline for defunding
*Further DfE funding documentation is expected Autumn 2023
August 2024*
Meaning last new starts in September 2023:
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August 2025
Meaning last new starts in September 2024:
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August 2026
Meaning last new starts in September 2025:
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August 2027*
Meaning last new starts in September 2026:
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August 2028*
Meaning last new starts in September 2027:
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Level 3 qualifications within scope overlapping with T Levels waves 1 and 2 for 16-19 learners
- Construction and the built environment
- Digital
- Education and childcare
- Health and science
This does not impact adult funding for these routes until August 2025.
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Level 3 qualifications in routes identified a T Level overlap (see 16-19 learners August 2024) for adult funding. Plus:
- Legal, finance and accounting
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Business and administration
- Hair and beauty
- Catering and hospitality
- Creative and design
- Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Level 2 TQ in subject areas in scope but not reform-approved.
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Level 3 and Level 2 qualifications in all other routes within scope.
Excluded are any Level 2 for first teach in 2027.
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All remaining Level 2 and below qualifications within scope. |
All remaining English, Maths and ESOL qualifications. |