Our response to proposed changes to post-16 qualifications March 2026
Tuesday 17 March 2026
We welcome the publication of the Government’s response to the consultation into post-16 level 3 and below pathways, and the announcement of nearly £800m of extra funding for post-16 education.
The response sets out an ambitious set of reforms to the post-16 qualifications system including the introduction of new V levels (vocational) to sit alongside A Levels (academic) and T Levels (technical).
Seen as the biggest reform to vocational education in a generation, the plans aim to ensure genuine parity of esteem between academic, vocational and technical qualifications, and ensure that students, parents and employers better understand the range of options available.
- V Levels
V levels will be vocationally based qualifications equivalent to an A level. The first subjects will be introduced from 2027. The subject content of V levels will be set nationally by the Department for Education and will be linked to occupational standards. We hope these will offer greater accessibility in content and assessment methods to enable dyslexic learners to fully demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
- Changes to T Levels
The Department for Education plans to continue to expand and improve T levels by refining the content and assessment and improving their accessibility to a wider range of students. This will include changes to the industry placement element which will provide further flexibility in delivery, including remote delivery, group projects, simulated work environments, and the option to gain experience across more than one employer.
- New level 2 pathways
Two new level 2 pathways will be introduced for students who need additional support to continue learning at post-16.
The Further Study pathway will be a one-year course for those who wish to progress to a level 3 course, either V Levels, T Levels or A Levels but do not have the GCSE grades to meet the entry requirements. Students will work towards a Foundation Certificate, English and/or Maths qualifications (where appropriate) and take part in employability and enrichment activities.
The Occupational pathway will be a two-year course aimed at those who wish to enter employment or an apprenticeship. They will work towards an Occupational Certificate, English and/or Maths (where appropriate) and build resilience and confidence to progress to skilled employment.
A consultation has also been launched on new qualifications that are intended to be a 'stepping stone' for students who have not achieved grade 4 in English and/or Maths GCSE. It is hoped that these new qualifications will better prepare them to achieve these qualifications.
Ellen Broomé, CEO of the British Dyslexia Association, said:
“These proposed changes to post-16 qualifications are an opportunity to improve progression for many of our young people, including those with dyslexia.
Accessibility, reasonable adjustments, and a range of assessment methods must be built into any new qualifications from the outset. Many dyslexic learners demonstrate their knowledge more effectively through varied forms of assessment rather than high-stakes written exams alone.
We urge the Government to work closely with learners with additional needs and their families, to make sure the new framework supports inclusion and helps to create a post-16 system that is both rigorous and genuinely inclusive.”