Working together to shape a post‑16 system that works for all sectors: government opens consultations

Reform of England’s post‑16 education system is accelerating, with several key government consultations now open that will directly shape vocational, technical and foundational learning pathways over the coming years.

24 April 2026

Following the recent announcement of new V Levels and wider changes to post‑16 provision, government has set out its ambition for a clearer, more coherent system that offers greater parity of esteem between academic and vocational options and more simplified pathways for technical education routes. As we highlighted in our recent article on the new V Level qualification and wider post-16 reforms, achieving these ambitions will depend on sustained engagement from providers, employers and awarding organisations as policies move into implementation.

The consultations represent a critical opportunity for the sector to influence how the reformed qualifications are designed and delivered in practice. We are encouraging our customers and sector employers to engage and bring forward their expertise –to help ensure that new qualifications and pathways reflect the distinct skills needs, operating contexts and progression routes that best serve different industries across our economy.

A shifting post‑16 landscape

V Levels, due to be introduced from September 2027, will sit alongside A Levels and T Levels at level 3 and are intended to provide a nationally consistent vocational route linked to employer‑defined occupational standards. Alongside this, government has confirmed further qualifications at levels 2 and below to strengthen progression, support learners not yet ready for level 3, and create clearer routes into work or further study.

However, alongside simplification comes significant change. Decisions regarding qualification content, assessment models, regulation and funding will affect curriculum planning, learner choice and provider capacity. The consultations now underway extend beyond headlines - they focus on the detail that will determine whether the reformed system works effectively for learners with different needs, starting points and progression expectations.

Why the consultation on post-16 level 2 and level 3 subject content is important:

A Department for Education (DfE) consultation focuses on proposed subject content for post‑16 level 2 and level 3 qualifications from 2027. This is particularly important given the introduction of V Levels and new level 2 qualifications for 16-19-year-olds.

The proposals will shape how content is defined to aid transition into work, and how qualifications align with new and existing progression pathways. As we have previously emphasised, care is needed to avoid overly standardised approaches that risk narrowing provision or not reflecting the realities and needs of different vocational sectors.

Sector feedback will be important in ensuring subject content remains fit for purpose, supports employer demand, and enables learners to progress flexibly through the post‑16 system and beyond. Responses need to be in by 4 June.

Consultation on future regulation of post‑16 vocational and technical qualifications

Ofqual’s consultation will consider how post‑16 vocational and technical qualifications at levels 2 and 3 should be regulated in future. This builds on earlier reforms and is closely linked to the introduction of new qualification types.

Effective regulation and appropriate assessment models will be essential in maintaining confidence in vocational qualifications, ensuring consistent standards and assessment quality and validity, while allowing the system to respond to changing labour‑market needs. Responses need to be in by 2 July.

Consultation on level 1 English and maths for 16-19-year -olds raises questions for providers

The Department for Education’s consultation on new level 1 English and maths qualifications for 16-19-year-olds proposed an alternative to repeated GCSE resits for learners who have not achieved a grade 4. These qualifications are intended to be delivered alongside strengthened level 2 pathways.

For providers, the proposals raise important questions around curriculum design, assessment approach and how these qualifications support meaningful progression. If implemented well, they have the potential to improve engagement and outcomes for learners who would benefit from a different approach to English and maths at post‑16. Responses need to be in by 2 June.

Shaping reform - through working in partnership

Taken together, these consultations signal a period of significant change in post‑16 education. While the direction of travel is clear, the success of reform will depend on detailed design choices informed by real‑world delivery experience.

At City & Guilds, the customer is at the heart of our approach, and we encourage providers, employers and partners across the sector to engage with these consultations and share their expertise. Sector input now will help ensure the reformed post‑16 system delivers clear pathways, high‑quality qualifications and positive outcomes for learners and employers alike.

Consultations	Consultation deadline
Post-16 level 2 and level 3 qualifications: 2027 proposed subject content	4 June, 2026
Regulating post-16 vocational and technical qualifications at level 2 and level 3	2 July, 2026
16-19 level 1 English and maths qualifications	2 June, 2026

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