Level 2 and 3 qualifications to have 16 to 19 funding approval removed in 2027

OnThe 10government Marchhas 2026,already theconfirmed Departmentthat public funding approval for Educationcertain publishedqualifications thewill government’sbe removed from 2027, following its response to the Post-16 level 3 and below pathways consultation. consultation.

As parta ofchange thisfrom response,the inoriginal 2027 public funding approval willarrangements, bequalifications removedequivalent forin newsize 16 to 192 studentA startslevels from(720 legacyguided vocationallearning andhours technical(GLH)) Levelwill 2continue andto 3be qualificationsfunded infor certainthe subject2027 areasto in2028 lineacademic withyear. theThis detailswill setsupport outproviders inand thestudents Implementationduring Planthe transition to the reformed 16qualifications tolandscape 19while qualificationsadditional landscape.V Levels are introduced.

Update on T Level scoping and associated Levellevel 3 qualifications in Habitathabitat and Landland Managementmanagement

We have taken a policy decision to scope potential new T Levels, including in Habitathabitat Management,management, in line with the Implementationimplementation Planplan published in May 2026. This is part of our plans for exploring new T Levels in Agricultureagriculture and Landland Management,management, following further consideration and engagement with the land-based sector.

As a result, we will maintain 16 to 19 funding approval for two qualifications above 1080GLH (City &and Guilds Extended Diploma in Landland and Wildlifewildlife Managementmanagement, and Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Countrysidecountryside Management),management), which have therefore been removed from the final list of qualifications that will have funding removed in 2027.

Update toon DfEfunding positionapproval on the fundingfor Access to HE Diplomas Diplomas

Access to HE Diplomas are an important pathway designed to support adults to enter higher education, particularly for those individuals who did not follow a traditional academic route. That is why we are maintaining funding for Access to HE Diplomas for students aged 18 and above.  

StudentsStudents aged 19 and who are aged 19 and above will continue to be able to access funding through Advanced Learner Loans (ALLs).(ALLs). Students who take out an ALL for an Access to HE Diploma will have the outstanding balance written off if they complete an eligible higher education course,course such as an undergraduate degree.  

From academicFrom the year 2027 to 2028, for Access2028 to HE diplomas relatingacademic year, for Access to HE diplomas relating to the subjects in the first tranche of V Levels, students who are aged 18 to 24 years old, and are eligibleold and eligible for the 16 to 19 study programme funding will retain funding by exception.

We will publish guidance on the exceptions in the Implementation Planin the implementation plan update in early 2027. 

For students aged 16 and 17, the Post-16post-16 education and skills white paper set out our plans to introduce reformed qualifications pathways at levels 2 and 3, responding to the recommendationsthe recommendations made in the Curriculum and assessmentAssessment reviewReview final report. 

The reformed qualifications will ensure every young person has a clear choice of education pathways that support them to succeed in work and in life. For levelLevel 3 qualifications, a student aged 16 or 17 who wishes to progress into higher levelinto higher-level study, including higher education or an apprenticeship, will have a choice between A levels, V Levels, a mix of both, or a T Level.