Understanding the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper: What it means for you
On Monday 20 October, the government published its Post-16 Education and Skills white paper, setting out an ambitious reform agenda for further and higher education in England. As your awarding organisation and skills partner of choice, we will help you navigate these changes and understand what they mean for your provision.
29 October 2025
The big picture
At its core, this white paper aims to address critical skills shortages, with Skills England reporting we'll need 900,000 more skilled workers in priority sectors by 2030. The government has set a bold target: two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning – academic, technical or apprenticeships – by age 25, with at least 10% going into level 4 or 5 study by 2040.
Key changes coming your way
V Levels
The government will replace the current range of vocational technical qualifications at level 3 with 'V Levels', which will sit alongside A levels and T Levels and become the only pathway of vocational qualifications at level 3 for 16–19-year-olds. These will be similar in size to an A level (360 GLH) and designed to be combined with other V Levels or A levels, with content linked to occupational standards. A consultation will open in autumn 2025 to test the key design principles.
New Level 2 pathways
The government will work with schools, colleges and awarding organisations to develop two clear post-16 pathways at level 2: an occupational pathway for those progressing to level 2 employment, and a further study pathway for those moving to level 3 qualifications.
English and maths support
New 16-19 English and maths preparation qualifications at level 1 will be introduced for lower prior attaining students (grade 2 or below) before GCSE resits, giving students time to consolidate foundations before progressing.
Investment in your success
The government is committing significant investment: £200 million for estate and facilities through a new Skills Mission Fund, £375 million to support post-16 capacity, and £1.7 billion to help colleges maintain their estates between 2026-27 and 2029-30.
Technical Excellence Colleges
Following 10 TECs in construction, 19 more will be established across advanced manufacturing (4), clean energy (5), digital and technologies (5), and defence (5), backed by £175 million. Selection processes start by end of 2025, with delivery from April 2026.
Timeline for change
The first V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates are planned for first teaching in 2027, with full rollout by the start of the 2030/31 academic year. This phased approach allows you to implement changes incrementally rather than all at once.
What this means for you
These reforms represent the most significant changes to post-16 qualifications in years. The shift to V Levels will simplify the landscape from approximately 900 approved level 3 qualifications to a clearer, more coherent system aligned with occupational standards and employer needs.
We're committed to supporting you through these transitions. As more detail emerges – particularly following the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the autumn consultation – we'll continue to provide updates and practical guidance.
Our commitment: We'll work alongside Skills England, awarding organisations, and sector bodies to ensure these new pathways are fit for purpose and deliverable in your settings.
Stay tuned for further updates as consultation documents are published and implementation plans are confirmed. We're here to help you prepare for these changes and to continue delivering outstanding education for your learners.
Emma Leary, Director Awarding Organisation, Responsible Officer
Caroline Chessum, Product Director