Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper: The Need-to-knows

The Department for Education (DfE) has published a post-16 education and skills white paper to update and streamline the skills landscape in Further Education. It comes just before the publication of the final report from Becky Francis’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, and opens a consultation on the proposed changes. With changes to levels 2 and 3, as well as English and maths, there’s a lot to get your head around – so let's unpack it. 

Impact on level 3 

For many years, several products have been introduced to diversify the level 3 landscape, whether that be AGQs, AAQs, or BTECS. The government has decided it's time to combat what they believe to be a “significant variability” in assessment, grading, and content.  

This involves the introduction of V levels, which will sit alongside A levels and T levels and be regulated by Ofqual in a similar way to the former. Whereas T levels are broadly equivalent to the size of three A levels, V levels will be similar in size to A levels (with 360 guided learning hours), and the two can be taken in combination. 

V levels will incorporate or replace the various products on offer to create a more streamlined approach to post-16 education. This means that existing defunding plans for BTECs and other qualifications have been altered to ensure that they can still be taught until the corresponding V level is available. 

As with T Levels, they will be designed against occupational standards, with a proposed list of 19 subjects released as part of the consultation.  

A full timeline for the rollout of V levels will be published as part of the government’s response to the consultation next year, but September 2027 has been earmarked as the first time that they can be taught. 

Impact on level 2 

At level 2, the government plan to introduce two distinct pathways that learners can follow to progress to further education, apprenticeships, or employment. As with the changes to level 3 qualifications, the government’s aim is to simplify the landscape and ensure that learners have the opportunity to choose the right path for them, free from confusion. 

The first of the two pathways will be known as a “further study pathway”. This will last for one year and will be the ideal choice for learners looking to progress to V levels, T levels, A levels, or a level 3 apprenticeship. On this pathway, learners will work towards ‘foundation certificates’, made up of qualifications of 240 guided learning hours and linked to T level and V level subjects. 

The second pathway will be known as an “occupational pathway” and will last for two years. Learners on this pathway will work towards ‘occupational certificates’, with this route ideal for progression into employment in level 2 roles, including apprenticeships. 

These pathways will replace the T level foundation year, with the same timeline as V levels – a gradual rollout commencing in 2027. 

Impact on English and maths 

To support learners in achieving an English and maths qualification, and to remove the cycle of resits that has previously caused disillusionment for learners and higher rates of young people not gaining numeracy and literacy skills, the government will introduce Level 1 “Preparation for GCSE” qualifications. 

These level 1 qualifications will ensure that learners aren’t forced into a GCSE resit before they’re ready, and colleges can still claim the existing funding. Considered as a stepping stone, the new level 1 qualifications will give learners the time and support they need to achieve a GCSE in English and maths, recognising the relevance and importance of numeracy and literacy. 

Consultation 

The outlined changes are currently in a proposal stage, and with just under two years to go before the government plans to implement them, there is time for feedback. 

Alongside the release of this white paper, the DfE have opened a consultation for feedback from across the sector, which will run until 12 January 2026. You can find the consultation and submit your feedback here. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way, and will continue to update you on all of the latest news.