Navigating the future: Understanding the new qualification transition pathways in UK post-16 education
The UK governments recently published Post-16 Education and Skills white paper represents a key moment for education and training in England. At its heart lies a fundamental reimagining of how young people and adults transition between different levels of learning and into meaningful employment. For educators, learners, and employers alike, understanding these new qualification transition pathways is crucial to unlocking opportunities in an evolving economy.
26 November 2025
The challenge: A fragmented landscape
The post-16 education landscape has been characterised by complexity with multiple choices available, often making it difficult for parents and students to understand the landscape. This complexity has particularly impacted disadvantaged learners and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who are more likely to experience "churn" in their learning journeys - repeatedly switching qualifications or repeating learning without clear progression.
The statistics paint a sobering picture. Currently, nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and the system has struggled to provide clear pathways for progression, particularly at the critical transition points between qualification levels.
A bold new vision: Simplicity, clarity, and prestige
The white paper introduces a streamlined approach centred on creating clear, high-quality pathways at every level. The government's ambition is ambitious yet achievable: ensuring two-thirds of young people participate in higher-level learning by age 25, with at least 10% pursuing level 4 or 5 qualifications, including apprenticeships by 2040.
The Level 3 revolution: Enter V Levels
Perhaps the most transformative change is the introduction of V Levels - a new qualification pathway designed to sit alongside A levels and T Levels. V Levels will replace the current array of vocational technical qualifications at level 3 for 16 to 19-year-olds, offering students a clear alternative.
What makes V Levels different?
- Sector-focused but flexible: V Levels will be offered in a range of vocational subjects covering key employment sectors, with content linked to occupational standards set by Skills England in partnership with employers
- Modular design: Similar in size to an A level, V Levels can be combined with other V Levels or A levels, allowing learners the flexibility to explore different areas before committing to a specific career path
- Practical and theoretical: Students will engage with both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge relevant to their chosen sector
Strengthening Level 2: Two clear pathways
Recognising that not all learners are ready to progress directly to level 3 at age 16, the white paper introduces two distinct post-16 pathways at level 2:
- The occupational pathway: Designed for students ready to enter level 2 occupations, this pathway emphasizes employability skills and high-quality enrichment activities, preparing students for immediate entry into work
- The further study pathway: Focused on developing independent study skills and exposure to level 3 teaching, this pathway prepares students to progress to higher-level qualifications
Both pathways include relevant qualifications and continued study in English and maths where needed, ensuring students build the foundational skills essential for success.
Rethinking English and maths: A stepping stone approach
One of the most significant changes addresses the long-standing challenge of continued English and maths study. The white paper introduces new level 1 "stepping stone" qualifications designed specifically for students who achieved grade 2 or below at GCSE.
Rather than repeatedly resitting GCSEs without adequate preparation, students will now have the opportunity to consolidate foundational skills through these new qualifications in Year 12. Only after demonstrating readiness will they progress to GCSE resits, significantly improving their chances of success. This approach recognizes that meaningful progress takes time and that learners deserve recognition for the steps they make along their journey.
Bridging education and employment: The lifelong learning revolution
The white paper doesn't stop at young people. Recognising that the nature of work is changing rapidly, it introduces groundbreaking measures to support lifelong learning and career transitions.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
From September 2026, adults will be able to access the Lifelong Learning Entitlement - a flexible loan entitlement providing up to four years' worth of funding for higher-level education or training to use over their working lives. This can be used not just for traditional multi-year programmes but for shorter modular courses at levels 4, 5, and 6 that can be built up over time.
Growth and Skills Levy: Short courses for rapid upskilling
Starting from April 2026, employers will be able to use the Growth and Skills Levy (formerly the Apprenticeship Levy) to fund short, flexible training courses called apprenticeship units. Initially focused on critical skills areas such as artificial intelligence, digital, and engineering, these courses will enable quick, targeted upskilling to address immediate business needs while providing workers with portable skills for career progression.
Supporting smooth transitions: The infrastructure of success
Creating clear pathways is only part of the solution. The white paper recognises that effective transitions require robust support systems:
Early identification and support
Schools will have strengthened responsibilities to support students transitioning to post-16 education, particularly those at risk of becoming NEET. This includes:
- Providing targeted support and high-quality careers guidance
- Working with local authorities to ensure vulnerable young people are identified early
- Ensuring every student has a planned destination before leaving school
The automatic guarantee
Perhaps most importantly, the government will introduce an automatic guaranteed college place for all 16-year-olds without a post-16 study plan. Rather than falling through the cracks, these young people will be contacted by a local provider and offered wraparound support to ensure they remain in education or training.
Enhanced tracking and attendance monitoring
All 16-19 education providers will track student attendance more systematically, enabling early intervention when attendance starts to decline. This proactive approach aims to prevent young people from disengaging before it's too late.
The Role of Technical Excellence Colleges
To ensure high-quality delivery across all pathways, the white paper expands on the Technical Excellence Colleges scheme - specialised institutions that will serve as hubs of excellence in specific sectors. Beyond the 10 construction-focused colleges already announced, an additional 19 will be established in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital and technologies and defence.
These colleges will:
- Develop cutting-edge curricula and teaching practices in their specialist areas
- Share expertise with other providers through a hub-and-spoke model
- Forge deep partnerships with employers to ensure training meets industry needs
- Attract and support industry professionals to become high-quality teachers
Making informed choices: Data and guidance
Underpinning all these pathways is a commitment to providing data-led information about education and training outcomes. Students, parents, and advisors will have access to clear information about:
- Progression rates from different qualifications
- Employment outcomes by course and institution
- Earnings potential in different career paths
- Clear maps showing how different qualifications connect to specific occupations
This transparency will empower learners to make genuinely informed decisions about their futures, rather than navigating in the dark.
Looking ahead: A system that leaves no one behind
The qualification transition pathways outlined in the Post-16 Education and Skills white paper represent more than administrative restructuring. They embody a commitment to creating an education and training system where:
- Every pathway commands respect and prestige, whether academic, technical, or vocational
- Transitions are smooth and supported, with safety nets for those who need them
- Flexibility enables lifelong learning, allowing people to upskill and reskill throughout their careers
- Clear information empowers choice, ensuring students understand the opportunities and outcomes associated with different routes
For the nearly one million young people currently NEET, for the millions of adults seeking to reskill in a changing economy, and for employers struggling to fill critical skills gaps, these pathways offer hope and practical solutions.
The vision is clear: a post-16 education system where every learner has access to high-quality pathways tailored to their needs and aspirations, where transitions are supported rather than stressful, and where the skills developed lead to meaningful careers and national prosperity.
Whilst there are still some uncertainties, we, at City & Guilds, are committed to working with the Government, and with our customers as partners to shape the future.
If you have questions, we’re here to help: customersupport@cityandguilds.com
Emma Leary, Director Awarding Organisation, Responsible Officer
Caroline Chessum, Product Director