Post‑16 qualification reforms

A new vocational system needs a vocational education specialist

City & Guilds is a global skills organisation, working with schools, colleges, training providers and employers to support high‑quality vocational education. We focus on skills that open doors to further study, apprenticeships and employment. 

With deep expertise in employer-led qualification design, assessment and system change, we support sixth forms to navigate reform with confidence. We help you understand what’s changing, make informed curriculum decisions and deliver in the classroom achieve the best outcomes for learners.

An overview of the new post‑16 landscape

A new chapter for post‑16 education is emerging as the government undertakes a major reform of the qualifications system. The post-16 education and skills white paper lays out plans to make choices clearer and more flexible with a mix of academic, technical and vocational programme options after GCSEs. The reforms also aim to strengthen pathways and better align learning with national skills needs.

At the heart of these changes is the introduction of V Levels, replacing around 900 existing vocational qualifications to create a clearer, more coherent offer for young people, alongside streamlined level 2 routes. This shift is driven by the urgent need to tackle critical skills shortages while improving progression, boosting attainment, and building a more responsive skills pipeline that directly supports economic growth.

Level 2 reforms: Two new pathways 

The government has announced plans to introduce two new level 2 pathways to better support learners aged 16–19:

• Further Study pathway (1 year) – Foundation Certificates in Digital Systems & Data and Education & Early Years, supporting progression to level 3 qualifications.
• Occupational pathway (2 years) – Occupational Certificates in Catering & Hospitality and Education & Early Years, preparing learners for specific job roles or apprenticeships.

 

Level 3: A new vocational pathway 

England’s post‑16 system is being simplified into three clear qualification pathways at level 3 for 16-19 learners:

• A Levels (level 3 academic route)
• T Levels (level 3 technical route with industry placement – with more subjects coming soon)
• V Levels (level 3 new vocational route, each equivalent in size to one A Level).

What are V Levels?

V Levels are a new broad level 3 vocational qualification, each the size of one A Level, designed so learners can combine them with A Levels and other V Levels to build a programme tailored to their interests. They focus on applied skills and are linked to occupational standards.

Initial V Level subjects identified by government (from September 2027):

• Digital systems and data
• Education
• Finance & Accounting

Further subjects will be phased in from 2028 to 2030 as part of the 16-19 reforms.

What these reforms mean for sixth forms

• Increased opportunity to deliver mixed academic and vocational programmes 
• New, smaller qualifications designed to sit alongside A Levels 
• Clearer progression routes for learners not best suited to a full A Level programme 

Watch our explainer videos

Key dates and timelines

July 2026:

• Subject content published and final subject list (including titles) confirmed for 2027 V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates
• Strategic Transition Planning Statements due 6 July 2026

September 2026:

• Draft qualification specifications start becoming available for 2027 V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates.

Spring 2027:

• Qualification materials become available for 2027 V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates.

July 2027:

• Funding for large legacy qualifications removed in existing T Level subject areas (apart from Health and Social Care).
• Funding for legacy qualifications in Education & Early years (levels 2 and 3), Digital (level 3) and Accounting & Finance (level 3) is removed.
• Strategic Transition Planning Statements for 2027 teaching due.

September 2027:

• First V Levels launched: Digital systems & data, Education, Finance & Accounting.
• First Occupational Certificates launched: Catering & Hospitality and Education & Early Years.
• First Foundation Certificates launched: Digital systems & data and Education & Early Years.

2028-2030:

• Additional V Levels introduced
• T Levels refined and expanded

Support for sixth forms 

City & Guilds supports sixth forms to deliver vocational programmes that deliver future-proofed skills for learners. We draw on expertise in skills-based qualification design and employer collaboration to help you plan, prepare and deliver high‑quality programmes such as V Levels and the new level 2 pathways, alongside existing A Level and/or T Level provision that support progression into work, apprenticeships and further study. 

Whether you're planning for 2027 or shaping your long-term strategy, we can support you throughout the transition. 

Our support includes: 

• Sector specific curriculum guides to help you shape coherent programmes. 
• Regular briefings with the latest policy, funding and implementation updates. 
• Regular insights straight to your inbox, keeping you informed as timelines and subject details evolve. 
• Live webinars and events to unpack reforms and share best practice. 
• One-to-one consultations to support curriculum design, progression planning and readiness for first teaching of V Levels. 

Frequently asked questions