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Reforms to post-16 qualifications in England

Qualification reform in England

Supporting you through qualification reform in England

The Department for Education’s (DfE) post-16 qualification reforms mark a significant shift in the education landscape across England. Aimed at simplifying the system and raising quality, these changes will impact qualifications at level 3 and below, reshaping how learners progress into skilled employment or higher education.

At City & Guilds, we’ve been a trusted leader in skills development for over 145 years and are deeply committed to supporting our customers through this period of change. With our long-standing expertise and unwavering focus on high-quality, work-relevant qualifications, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering regular updates, expert insights, and practical tools to help you navigate the reforms with confidence.

City & Guilds Technicals New Generation

Built to equip learners with the real-world skills employers demand, our Technicals New Generation qualifications are aligned with apprenticeship standards and developed in response to qualification reform.

With practical assessment methods that reflect real-world applications and flexible delivery options, Technicals New Generation qualifications help educators create engaging learning experiences. Learners benefit from clear progression pathways into apprenticeships, employment, or further study, empowering them to take the next step with confidence.

Latest reforms update

In December 2024, the DfE announced the outcomes from the Pause and Review on the reforms to qualifications at level 3 and below. The key points included:

  • The government will retain funding for 157 qualifications (alongside T Levels and A levels) that were originally due to be defunded by 31 July 2025
  • The Onsite Construction T Level will close for new registrations from September 2025
  • Funding remains for qualifications within engineering, land-based, legal, finance and accounting, business and administration, and creative and design until 2027.
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The Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) was launched by the UK government in July 2024 to modernise the education system from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. Led by Professor Becky Francis CBE, the review focuses on raising standards, improving inclusivity, and ensuring the curriculum and assessments are fit for the future. An interim report was published in March 2025, with final outcomes expected by the end of the year.

What does this mean for your 2025-2026 delivery?

City & Guilds Technicals New Generation qualifications

These occupationally focused qualifications will equip learners with practical skills and knowledge that align with industry needs. Mapped to the same occupational standards as apprenticeships, they are designed to produce industry-ready individuals prepared to thrive in the workplace.

We have developed a suite of level 2 and level 3 qualifications across a range of key sectors, which are available for delivery from September 2025.

Level 3: Our technical occupational qualifications in electrical, plumbing, teaching, and dental nursing have been approved by Skills England and will be fully funded for adult learners (aged 19+) in England.

Level 2: Our construction and automotive technical occupational qualifications have also received Skills England approval and will be fully funded for both 16–18-year-olds and adults aged 19+ in England.



Extension of funding for level 3 technical qualifications

Due to the outcomes of the Pause and Review, the government has confirmed qualifications at level 3 that will have funding extended, including the length of the extension, and those that will not have funding extended.

You can view a full list of the City & Guilds qualifications that will now continue to be funded for 16–19-year-olds for the 2025-2026 academic year.

City & Guilds level 3 qualifications retaining funding for 2025-2026 academic year

T Levels

The government is confident that T Levels offer an excellent qualification pathway and has reaffirmed its commitment to their continued rollout. City & Guilds remains dedicated to supporting providers in the implementation and delivery of T Level Technical Qualifications (TQs).

Find out more about T Levels with City & Guilds

Key documents for providers

16 to 19 study programmes: guide for providers

Information for education and training providers on the planning and delivery of study programmes.

Read more

Qualification reform toolkit

This resource has been created to help education and training providers, and careers development professionals, explain Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) and Reformed Technical Qualifications as new post-16 options to staff members, learners, parents and employers.

Download the toolkit

City & Guilds Technicals New Generation qualifications

Level 3: These qualifications are fully funded in England for adults (19+) and are available for first teaching from September 2025.

Level 2: These qualifications will be fully funded in England for both 16-18 and adults (19+) learners. They are available for first teaching from September 2025.

Watch on-demand webinars

In the run up to first teaching of the City & Guilds Technicals New Generation qualifications, our teams have been hosting regular webinars to support the implementation of these qualifications. Find links below to watch these webinars on demand.

Automotive

These recording are for the City & Guilds Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Light Vehicle Service and Maintenance.

Building Services Engineering

These recording are for the City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry qualifications in Plumbing and Electrical Installations.

Construction

These recording are for the City & Guilds Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry qualifications in Bricklaying, Painting & Decorating, Plastering, Wood Occupations and Maintenance Operations. 

Dental

These recording are for the City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry to Professional Practice for Dental Nurses.

Teaching

These recording are for the City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently questions for qualification reforms in England.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us

If you are a customer or sector expert and would like more information about the qualification reforms, please contact our customer support team for more information:

0192 4930 800

customersupport
@cityandguilds.com

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Stay informed

Sign up for our email alerts to get the latest updates on qualification reforms, funding changes, and upcoming new products.                                                          

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Funding for qualifications

To help you navigate the funding that is available visit our funding page and download our directory of funding.                                                                                                                                                

More funding information
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Sector experts needed

City & Guilds needs employers from a range of industries involved in reforming our qualifications. Do you have views on the skills and knowledge you want from your recruits?

Find out more